Light deflecting method and apparatus efficiently using a floating mirror

ABSTRACT

Method of deflecting light includes the steps of providing a substrate and forming a supporting member on the substrate. Next forming step forms electrodes at predetermined positions on the substrate. Next forming step forms a plate-like-shaped thin film member including light reflecting means. Placing step places the plate-like-shaped thin film member on the supporting member so that an opposite surface thereof faces the electrodes. Forming step forms space regulating members on edges of the substrate for regulating a space formed above the substrate in which the plate-like-shaped thin film member is freely movable. Applying step applies predetermined voltages to the electrodes to change a tilt direction of the plate-like-shaped thin film member in accordance with the voltages applied to deflect the input light in an arbitrary direction. Disclosure also describes light deflecting apparatuses, light deflecting array apparatuses, image forming apparatuses, image projection display apparatuses, and optical data transmission apparatuses.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/092,841, filed Mar. 30, 2005, U.S. Pat. No. 7,064,878, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/294,033, filed U.S. Pat. No. 6,900,915, Nov. 14, 2002, U.S. Pat. No. 6,900,915, and is based upon and claims the benefits of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2001-349415, filed on Nov. 14, 2001, 2002-178216, filed Jun. 19, 2002, and 2002-282858, filed on Sep. 27, 2002, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for light deflecting, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for light deflecting capable of efficiently moving a floating mirror with an electrostatic attraction force.

2. Discussion of the Background

Conventionally, a light deflecting device and a light deflecting system using the light deflecting device are known, generating an electrostatic attraction force to bend a cantilever-like light reflecting member to change a reflection direction relative to input light rays. This apparatus is described in Japanese Patent No. 2,941,952, Japanese Patent No. 3,016871, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 10-510374, “Applied Physics Letters,” 1977, vol. 31, No. 8, pp 521–pp 523, by K. E. Petersen, and “Optics Letters,” vol. 7, No. 9, pp 688–pp 690 by D. M. Bloom.

Further, an image forming apparatus is also known, employing a light deflecting system in which a plurality of digital micro-mirror devices are arranged in one or two dimensions. This apparatus is described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 06-138403.

In digital micro-mirror devices having a twisted-type light reflection member or a cantilever-like light reflecting member, a mirror portion is tilted and has at least one fixed end. This device is described in a reference of “Proc. SPIE,” 1989, vol. 1150, pp 86–pp 102.

However, in the light deflecting device and the digital micro-mirror device having the twisted-type light reflecting member or the cantilever-like light reflecting member, the light reflecting member is difficult to be stably held and a response speed is late.

Also, in the above-mentioned digital micro-mirror device having the twisted-type light reflecting member, a hinge of the twisted portion may degrade its mechanical strength in a usage over an extended period of time.

Further, a light deflecting device for switching light by driving a diffraction grating with an electrostatic attraction force limits an allowable wavelength of an input light ray.

In addition, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2000-002842 describes a light deflecting device for performing a light deflection by causing a light reflecting member with both ends fixed to deform in a circular shape. This device requires a relatively high driving voltage since the light reflecting member is fixed at both ends.

Further, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 08-220455 describes a mirror movable in two-axis directions and a display apparatus using this mirror. In this mirror and apparatus, a mirror plate made of a magnetic metal in a pan-like shape is fixed with a needle pivot by a magnetic force to a mirror bed including a magnet, and a plurality of electrodes are formed on the mirror bed. When the electrodes are applied with different voltages, a voltage difference is generated between the electrodes and the mirror plate by the action of electrostatic and the mirror plate is moved about the top of the needle pivot to come close to the electrodes. In this case, however, the mirror plate is substantially fixed to the mirror base at the needle pivot with the magnetic force. This structure is relatively complex and the mirror plate is actually not held in a completely free condition.

Due to this structure, in which the mirror plate is made of a magnetic metal, the magnet is arranged under the mirror bed, and magnetic yokes are arranged around the mirror bed, it is very difficult to make the two-axis movable mirror and the apparatus using the mirror through a micromachining process. In addition, the two-axis movable mirror and the apparatus using the mirror may emit magnetic force and the environments for these apparatuses may be limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel method of light deflecting which reduces a mechanical stress and performs a superior light deflection.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel light deflecting apparatus which reduces a mechanical stress and performs a superior light deflection.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel light deflecting array apparatus including a plurality of light deflecting apparatuses, each of which reduces a mechanical stress and performs a superior light deflection.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel image forming apparatus including a latent image forming mechanism using a light deflecting array apparatus which reduces a mechanical stress and performs a superior light deflection.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel image projection display apparatus projecting an image on an image screen using a light deflecting array apparatus which reduces a mechanical stress and performs a superior light deflection.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel optical data transmission apparatus including a light switching mechanism using a light deflecting array apparatus which reduces a mechanical stress and performs a superior light deflection.

To achieve these and other objects, in one example, the present invention provides a novel method of deflecting input light in directions for at least one deflection-axis, which includes the following seven steps. A providing step provides a substrate. A forming step forms a supporting member on a surface of the substrate. A next forming step forms a plurality of electrodes at predetermined positions around the supporting member on the surface of the substrate corresponding to the directions for at least one deflection-axis. A next forming step forms a plate-like-shaped thin film member including light reflecting means disposed on a surface of the plate-like-shaped thin film member for reflecting input light. A placing step places the plate-like-shaped thin film member on the supporting member so that another surface of the plate-like-shaped thin film member opposite to the surface having the light reflecting means faces the plurality of electrodes. A forming step forms a plurality of space regulating members on edges of the surface of the substrate for regulating a space formed above the surface of the substrate in which the plate-like-shaped thin film member placed on the supporting member is freely movable. A applying step applies predetermined voltages to the plurality of electrodes to change a tilt direction of the plate-like-shaped thin film member in accordance with the voltages applied so as to deflect the input light in an arbitrary direction out of the directions for at least one deflection-axis.

The predetermined voltages may include at least one different voltage.

In the forming step of forming the supporting member, the supporting member may be formed on the surface of the substrate such that a center of gravity of the supporting member is on a normal to a center of the surface of the substrate.

In the forming step of forming the supporting member, the supporting member may be formed to have at least one slope connecting between a top portion and a bottom edge of the supporting member.

When the applying step applies the predetermined voltages to the plurality of electrodes, the plate-like-shaped thin film member may tilt in accordance with the voltages applied to come in contact with the at least one slope of the supporting member so as to deflect the input light in the arbitrary direction out of the directions for at least one deflection-axis.

To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention also provides a novel light deflecting apparatus deflecting input light in directions for at least one deflection-axis. In one example, a novel light deflecting apparatus includes a substrate, a supporting member, a plurality of electrodes, a plate-like-shaped member, a light reflecting member, and a plurality of space regulating member. The supporting member is formed on a surface of the substrate. The plurality of electrodes are arranged at predetermined positions around the supporting member on the surface of the substrate corresponding to the directions for at least one deflection-axis. The plate-like-shaped thin film member is placed on the supporting member so that a bottom surface of the plate-like-shaped thin film member faces the plurality of electrodes. The light reflecting member is fixed to a surface of the plate-like-shaped thin film member opposite to the bottom surface thereof, for reflecting the input light. The plurality of space regulating members are disposed on edges of the surface of the substrate for regulating a space formed above the surface of the substrate in which the plate-like-shaped thin film member placed on the supporting member is freely movable to deflect the input light in an arbitrary direction out of the directions for at least one deflection-axis.

One of the light reflecting member and the plate-like-shaped thin film member may include a conductive region facing the plurality of electrodes.

The supporting member may have at least one slope connecting between a top portion and a bottom edge thereof and the plate-like-shaped thin film member comes in contact with the at least one slope of the supporting member.

A number of the plurality of space regulating members may correspond to a contour of the plate-like-shaped thin film member and the plurality of space regulating members are arranged with a predetermined pitch.

The plate-like-shaped thin film member may be in an electrically floating status.

The plurality of electrodes may be disposed to the at least one slope of the supporting member to face the plate-like-shaped member.

The plate-like-shaped member may determine a reflection direction relative to the input light when tilting and coming in contact with the substrate by point.

The plate-like-shaped member may determine a reflection direction relative to the input light when tilting and coming in contact with the substrate by line.

The present invention also provides novel light deflecting array apparatuses. The present invention also provides novel image forming apparatuses. The present invention also provides novel image projection display apparatuses. The present invention also provides novel optical data transmission apparatuses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams for explaining a light deflecting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams for explaining a light reflecting function of a plate included in the light deflecting apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5–7 are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8–11 are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 12–15 are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 16–18 are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 19–22 are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 23 and 24 are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 25 and 26 are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 27–35 are schematic diagrams for explaining a principle of a light deflecting operation performed by the light deflecting apparatus of FIG. 23;

FIGS. 36 and 37 are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 38 and 39 are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 40 and 41 are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 42–44 are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 45 and 46 are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 47 and 48 are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 49 is a schematic diagrams of a one-dimension light deflection array including a plurality of the light deflecting apparatuses of FIG. 1;

FIG. 50 is a schematic diagrams of a two-dimension light deflection array including a plurality of the light deflecting apparatuses of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 51–61 are schematic diagrams for explaining a method of making the light deflecting apparatus of FIG. 23 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 62–71 are schematic diagrams for explaining a method of making a light deflecting apparatus combining the light deflecting apparatuses of FIGS. 6 and 23 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 72–80 are schematic diagrams for explaining a method of making the light deflecting apparatus of FIG. 41 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 81 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image forming apparatus including the light deflecting apparatus of FIG. 49;

FIG. 82 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image projection display apparatus including the light deflecting apparatus of FIG. 50;

FIG. 83 is a schematic diagram for explaining an optical data transmission apparatus including the light deflecting apparatus of FIG. 50;

FIGS. 84 and 85 are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 86 and 87 are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 88 is a schematic diagram of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 89 and 90 are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 91A and 91B are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 92A and 92B are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 93A and 93B are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 94A and 94B are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 95A–95C are illustrations showing different shapes of supporting member;

FIGS. 96A and 96B are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 97A and 97B are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 98A–98K are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, with an explanation of an operation principle;

FIG. 99 is a schematic diagram for explaining a principle of an electrostatic attraction force;

FIGS. 100A–100M are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, with an explanation of an operation principle;

FIG. 101 is a schematic diagram of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 102A and 102B are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting array apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 103 is a schematic diagram of an image projection display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 104 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 105A and 105B are schematic diagrams of optical data transmission apparatuses according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 106A–106H are schematic diagrams for explaining a method of making the light deflecting apparatus of FIG. 98A;

FIGS. 107A–107I are schematic diagrams for explaining a method of making the light deflecting apparatus of FIG. 97A;

FIGS. 108A–108D and 109A–109C are schematic diagrams showing different shapes of supporting member;

FIGS. 110A and 110B are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 111A and 111B are schematic diagrams of a light deflecting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 112 is a schematic diagrams of a light deflecting array apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 113A, 113B, and 114 are schematic diagrams showing different shapes of angle bracket;

FIGS. 115A, 115B, 116, and 117 are schematic diagrams showing further different shapes of an angle bracket; and

FIGS. 118–127 are schematic diagrams for explaining a method of making a light deflecting apparatus modified based on the light deflecting apparatus of FIG. 98A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In describing preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this patent specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, particularly to FIGS. 1, a description is made for a light deflecting apparatus 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10, and FIG. 2 is a cross-section view taken on line A—A of FIG. 1. The light deflecting apparatus 10 deflects input light into a signal axial reflective direction or two axial reflective directions. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light deflecting apparatus 10 includes a reflecting member 1, a plate-like-shaped member 2, a substrate 3, a supporting member 4, four pieces of angle brackets 5, and an electrode 6.

The reflecting member 1 is in a thin film shape and includes a reflecting surface la for efficiently reflecting input light. The reflecting member 1 is attached onto the plate-like-shaped member 2 which is hereinafter referred to simply as a plate 2. The plate 2 is in a thin film shape and has a surface onto which the reflecting member 1 is fixed. The substrate 3 is made of silicon, for example, and has a surface on which the supporting member 4 is formed. The plate 2 is placed on the supporting member 4 without being fixed to any one of the substrate 3, supporting member 4, and the angle brackets 5. The angle brackets 5 regulate a space for the plate 2 to move and are respectively referred to as angle brackets 5 a ₁, 5 a ₂, 5 a ₃, and 5 a ₄ in association with their positions, as shown in FIG. 1, for convenience sake. In some cases, the angle brackets 5 may also be referred to as space regulating members 5. The supporting member 4 is formed on the substrate 3 such that a center of gravity of the supporting member is on a normal to a center of an upper surface of the substrate 3. The supporting member 4 serves as a fulcrum for the movement of the plate 2. Thereby, the plate 2 placed thereon is freely movable about the top point of the supporting member 4 within a free space G determined by the angle brackets 5 a ₁–5 a ₄ and the upper surface of the substrate 3. The electrode 6 is formed on the upper surface of the substrate 3 to surround the supporting member 4 and to face the back surface of the plate 2.

Since the plate 2 is formed in a thin film shape and therefore has a relatively light weight, an impact to the plate 2 caused by contacting the angle brackets 5 a _(1–5) a ₄ during standby or the substrate 3 under operating conditions may negligibly be small. This allows the light deflecting apparatus 10 to have a stable mechanical strength for a usage over an extended period of time with lesser variations or degradation in the mechanism.

The substrate 3 is preferably, in consideration of miniaturization, a material generally for use in a semiconductor process or a liquid crystal process, such as silicon, glass, or the like.

Further, the substrate 3 may be combined with a driving circuit substrate (not shown) having a plane direction (100) to make the light deflecting apparatus 10 in a simple and lower cost structure.

The angle brackets 5 a _(1 –5) a ₄ have an angled top portion for stopping the plate 2 and, as described above, regulate the free space G formed by the back surface of the plate 2 and the upper surface of the substrate 3 to limit the movement of the plate 2 within the free space G. In the light deflecting apparatus 10, the numbers and the positions of the angle brackets 5 a _(1–5) a ₄ correspond to the shape of the plate 2, which is in a substantially square form having four corners, to cover the entire plate 2. In other cases, the numbers and positions of the angle bracket members 5 a _(1 –5) a ₄ may be different to cover the entire plate 2 when the plate 2 has a different shape with a different number of corners.

The angle brackets 5 a _(1–5) a ₄ are made of a silicon oxide film or a chromic oxide film, for example. Because of this thin film structure, when a one-dimensional light deflecting array (not shown) or a two-dimensional light deflecting array (not shown) is formed with a plurality of the light deflecting apparatuses 10, for example, a total reflecting area of the reflecting surfaces 1 a of the reflecting members 1 can substantially be maximized. In addition, such an array can be made in a space saving fashion while having a relatively high mechanical strength.

The supporting member 4 serving as the fulcrum for the movement of the plate 2 may be formed in various shapes according to performances required to the light defecting apparatus 10, as described later. The supporting member 4 is made of a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film, for example, and therefore has a relatively high mechanical strength. As an alternative, the supporting member 4 may be made of a conductive material such as a metal film of various kinds to apply a potential to the plate 2 therethrough.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a light reflection of the light deflecting apparatus 10 is explained. FIGS. 3 and 4 diagrammatize manners of light reflection by the light deflecting apparatus 10 when the reflecting surface 1 a of the reflecting member 1 is plane and convex, respectively, for example.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the reflecting surface 1 a is plane, light rays entering the light reflection area of the light reflecting surface 1 a are reflected in one direction, i.e., in an intended direction, without causing a dispersion of the light rays in reflection. This feature avoids an adverse effect to adjacent optical devices and is therefore important in particular when the light deflecting apparatus 10 is employed in optical equipment such as an optical information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus (e.g., an image forming apparatus 200 explained later with reference to FIG. 81), an image projection display apparatus (e.g., an image projection display apparatus 300 explained later with reference to FIG. 82), an optical transmission apparatus (e.g., an optical data transmission apparatus 400 explained later with reference to FIG. 83), and so forth.

As for planeness of the reflecting surface 1 a of the reflecting member 1, a radius of curvature with respect to the reflecting surface 1 a is required to be a few meters or greater.

When the reflecting surface 1 a is convex, light rays entering the light reflection area of the reflecting surface 1 a are reflected and dispersed in various directions, as shown in FIG. 4, causing an adverse effect to adjacent optical devices. This adverse effect becomes severely problematic particularly in optical equipment such as an image forming apparatus (e.g., the image forming apparatus 200 explained later with reference to FIG. 81), an image projection display apparatus (e.g., the image projection display apparatus 300 explained later with reference to FIG. 82), and so forth in which the reflected light rays are processed to perform an optical recording or displaying by an optical scaling system.

Referring to FIGS. 5–7, a light deflecting apparatus 10 a according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 5 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 a, and FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 a taken on line B—B of FIG. 5. The light deflecting apparatus 10 a of FIG. 5 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, that is, the plate 2 is modified to a plate 2 a having a relatively small convex portion 2 a ₁ at substantially a central position thereof in contact with the supporting member 4.

With the above-mentioned convex portion 2 a ₁ arranged at the position in contact with the supporting member 4, the plate 2 a is movable about this convex portion 2 a ₁ without causing displacement in a surface direction when moving due to an electrostatic attraction, for example. That is, the convex portion 2 a ₁ is determined by itself as the center of the movement with respect to the plate 2 a.

With this feature, the plate 2 a is prevented from contacting vertical surfaces of the angle brackets 5 a ₁–5 a ₄ when moving in the free space G, as shown in FIG. 6.

When the plate 2 a does not have the convex portion 2 a ₁, as shown in FIG. 7, the plate 2 a may displace in a direction indicated by an arrow C1 and therefore the reflection performance of the light deflecting apparatus 10 a is degraded. Moreover, this displacement may accelerate a mechanical wearing of the plate 2 a and the supporting member 4, resulting in weakening the mechanical strength.

Referring to FIGS. 8–11, a light deflecting apparatus 10 b according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 8 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 b, and FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 b taken on line D—D of FIG. 8. The light deflecting apparatus 10 b of FIG. 8 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, that is, the supporting member 4 is modified to a supporting member 4 b having a cylindrical cross section 4 b ₁ and a circular top surface 4 b ₂, as shown in FIG. 10. Accordingly, the plate 2 is supported directly by the circular top surface 4 b ₂ of the supporting member 4 b. The supporting member 4 b is made of a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film, for example, and therefore it may have a relatively high mechanical strength. As an alternative, the supporting member 4 b may be made of a conductive material such as a metal film of various kinds to apply a potential to the plate 2 therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 11, the supporting member 4 b may have a tapered portion 4 b ₃ immediately adjacent to the circular top surface 4 b ₂ so as to reduce the area of the circular top surface 4 b ₂.

With the supporting member 4 b having the circular top surface 4 b ₂, the plate 2 carrying the reflecting member 1 thereon can easily be tilted in an arbitrary direction corresponding to a direction in which an electrostatic attraction acts. Further, the reduction of the area of the circular top surface 4 b 2 facilitates the light deflection in the two axial directions.

Referring to FIGS. 12–15, a light deflecting apparatus 10 c according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 12 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 c, and FIG. 13 is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 c taken on line E—E of FIG. 12. The light deflecting apparatus 10 c of FIG. 12 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, that is, the supporting member 4 is modified to a supporting member 4 c having a conical shape 4 c ₁ and a pointed top 4 c ₂, as shown in FIG. 14. Accordingly, the plate 2 is supported directly by the pointed top 4 c ₂ of the supporting member 4 c. The supporting member 4 c is made of a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film, for example, and therefore has a relatively high mechanical strength. As an alternative, the supporting member 4 c may be made of a conductive material such as a metal film of various kinds to apply a potential to the plate 2 therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 15, the supporting member 4 c may have a rounded top 4 c ₃ instead of the pointed top 4 c ₂.

With the supporting member 4 c having the conical shape 4 c ₁, a bottom side of the supporting member 4 c contacting the substrate 3 has a relatively high mechanical strength. In addition, by reducing a contact area between the plate 2 and the supporting member 4 c, the plate 2 may be prevented from attaching to the surface of the substrate 3 or receiving a charge from the substrate 3. This is because the plate 2 has one end, e.g., an end 2 c, contacting an upper surface of the substrate 3 by which the movement of the plate 2 is regulated. Further, because of this structure that the supporting member 4 c has the pointed top 4 c ₂ and supports the plate 2 with it, the plate 2 can easily be tilted in an arbitrary direction corresponding to a direction in which an electrostatic attraction acts.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a light deflecting apparatus 10 d according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 16 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 d, and FIG. 17 is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 d taken on line F—F of FIG. 16. The light deflecting apparatus 10 d of FIG. 16 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, that is, the supporting member 4 is modified to a supporting member 4 d having a rectangular solid shape 4 d ₁ and a rectangular surface 4 d ₂, as shown in FIG. 18. Accordingly, the plate 2 is supported directly by the rectangular surface 4 d ₂ of the supporting member 4 d. The supporting member 4 d is made of a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film, for example, and therefore has a relatively high mechanical strength. As an alternative, the supporting member 4 d may be made of a conductive material such as a metal film of various kinds to apply a potential to the plate 2 therethrough.

Because of this structure in that the supporting member 4 d having the rectangular surface 4 d ₂, the plate 2 can easily be tilted in a direction parallel to the rectangular surface 4 d ₂. That is, the plate 2 can easily be tilted in a one-axial direction according to an electrostatic attraction in a stable manner.

Referring to FIGS. 19–22, a light deflecting apparatus 10 e according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 19 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 e, and FIG. 20 is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 e taken on line G—G of FIG. 19. The light deflecting apparatus 10 e of FIG. 19 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, that is, the supporting member 4 is modified to a supporting member 4 e having a prism shape 4 e ₁ and an edged ridgeline 4 e ₂, as shown in FIG. 21. Accordingly, the plate 2 is supported directly by the edged ridgeline 4 e ₂ of the supporting member 4 e. The supporting member 4 e is made of a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film, for example, and therefore has a relatively high mechanical strength. As an alternative, the supporting member 4 e may be made of a conductive material such as a metal film of various kinds to apply a potential to the plate 2 therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 22, the supporting member 4 e may have a rounded ridgeline 4 e ₃ instead of the edged ridgeline 4 e ₂.

With the supporting member 4 e having the prism shape 4 e ₁, a bottom side of the supporting member 4 e contacting the substrate 3 has a relatively high mechanical strength. In addition, by reducing a contact area between the plate 2 and the supporting member 4 e, the plate 2 may effectively be prevented from attaching to the surface of the substrate 3 or receiving a charge from the substrate 3. This is because the plate 2 has one end, e.g., an end 2 e, contacting an upper surface of the substrate 3 by which the movement of the plate 2 is regulated. Further, because of this structure that the supporting member 4 e has the edged ridgeline 4 e ₁ and supports the plate 2 with it, a contacting portion between the plate 2 and the supporting member 4 e is relatively small and therefore the plate 2 can easily be tilted according to an electrostatic attraction in a one-axial direction in a stable manner.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, a light deflecting apparatus 10 f according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 23 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 f, and FIG. 24 is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 f taken on line H—H of FIG. 23. The light deflecting apparatus 10 f of FIG. 23 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 c of FIG. 12, that is, the electrode 6 is divided into four electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄, as shown in FIG. 23. In the light deflecting apparatus 10 f of FIG. 23, the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ are formed on the substrate 3 in a symmetrical arrangement relative to the supporting member 4 c which supports the electrically floating plate 2. The electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ are preferably made of metal such as aluminum metal, titan nitride, or titan, for example, to have a superior conductivity.

With this structure, when the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ are provided with different potentials, such differences in potentials among the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ will cause an electrostatic attraction force which acts between the plate 2 and the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄, resulting in a movement of the plate 2 in an arbitrary direction.

In addition, the plate 2 settled in one direction can quickly be moved and settled in another arbitrary direction by changing the respective potentials of the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄.

Although the electrode 6 is divided into the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄, as described above, the division of the electrode 6 is not limited to that and the electrode 6 may preferably be divided into at least two pieces.

Further, with this structure, potential differences can arbitrarily be generated among the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ so as to control the tilt of the plate 2 in two axial directions in a precise manner. Thereby, the light deflecting apparatus 10 f can stably perform the light deflecting in a quick and responsive manner with relatively simple structure and control.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, a light deflecting apparatus 10 g according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 25 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 g, and FIG. 26 is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 g taken on line I—I of FIG. 25. The light deflecting apparatus log of FIG. 25 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 f of FIG. 23, that is, the reflecting surface 1 a of the reflecting member 1 or at least a part of the plate 2 includes a conductive area 2 g in the light reflecting area thereof such that at least a part of the conductive area 2 g faces the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄. The conductive area 2 g preferably is made of metal such as aluminum metal, titan nitride, or titan, for example, to have a superior conductivity. When the plate 2 combines the light reflecting area of the reflecting surface 1 a of the reflecting member 1 to reduce the cost, the plate 2 preferably has an upper surface made of aluminum metal, in particular, for a superior light reflecting nature.

With this structure, an electrostatic attraction force acting between the plate 2 and the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ can be generated by an application of relatively low driving voltages to the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄, thereby moving the plate 2 in an arbitrary direction.

In addition, the plate 2 settled in one direction can quickly be moved and settled in another arbitrary direction by changing the respective potentials of the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄.

Further, with this structure, potential differences can arbitrarily be generated among the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ so as to control the tilt of the plate 2 in two axial directions in a precise manner.

Next, operations of the light deflecting apparatus 10 f shown in FIG. 23 are explained with reference to FIGS. 27–34. In FIG. 27, the view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 f is provided with cross section lines J—J, K—K, and L—L which are used in the detailed discussion below. As indicated in a cross section view of FIG. 28, taken on line J—J of FIG. 27, the light deflecting apparatus 10 f is in a floating status, having no portion thereof contacting neither the substrate 3 or the supporting member 44. The view of FIG. 28 is virtually made, for the sake of clarity, to demonstrate a condition when the light deflecting apparatus 10 f is in an initial status, in consideration of the nature that the plate 2 is freely movable in the free space G.

FIGS. 29 and 30 are cross section views taken on lines J—J and K—K, respectively, demonstrating a reset operation of the light deflecting apparatus 10 f. When the light deflecting apparatus 10 f settled in the initial status performs the reset operation, the plate 2 is moved from the position in the initial status of FIG. 28 to a reset position, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. In the reset position, the plate 2 is supported by the supporting member 4 c at a central position of the plate 2 and has at least one edge portion, e.g., an edge portion 2 f shown in FIG. 29, contacting the substrate 3.

In the reset operation, the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ are applied with the following exemplary voltages:

6 f ₁; X volts,

6 f ₂; 0 volts,

6 f ₃; X/2 volts, and

6 f ₄; X/2 volts.

With the application of these voltages, an electrostatic attraction force is generated between the plate 2 and the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ in a direction indicated by arrows C2 and C3, as shown in FIG. 29. The arrows C2 and C3 indicate not only directions but also magnitudes of the electrostatic attraction force by size of arrows, as the electrostatic attraction force varies depending upon a position of the plate 2. Accordingly, the arrows C2 and C3 in FIG. 29 indicate that magnitudes of the electrostatic attraction force acting between the plate 2 and the substrate 3 are uneven and therefore the plate 2 is tilted in a direction of arrow C4 due to this unevenness of the force. FIG. 30 shows this tilting movement from a 90-degree different angle which is the view taken on line K—K. In FIG. 30, as arrows C5 indicates, the electrostatic attraction force evenly acts between the plate 2 and the substrate 3, and therefore the movement of the plate 2 is not seen in the view of FIG. 30.

From the views of FIGS. 29 and 30, it is understand that the plate 2 is tilted about a first axis on line K—K. Thus, the angle of the plate 2 is changed and the light reflecting area in the light reflecting portion 1 b of the light reflecting member 1 changes its light reflecting angle in a desired direction. This desired direction is referred to as a reset direction and, when the plate 2 is tilted in the reset direction, the light deflecting apparatus 10 f is said to be in a reset status.

The voltage X is determined according to various factors including distances between the plate 2 and each of the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ and capacitances of the plate 2 and the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄, for example. This voltage X required in the reset operation is slightly greater than a voltage Y required in a regular tilting operation in which the plate 2 supported by the supporting member 4 c is tilted.

In the subsequent drawings including FIGS. 31–35, arrows for indicating directions and magnitudes of the electrostatic attraction force are not given reference labels such as the arrows C2 and C3 or the arrow C5, for example, since the purpose of these arrows is clear.

FIGS. 31 and 32 are cross section views of the light deflecting apparatus 10 f, taken on lines J—J and K—K, respectively, demonstrating a first operation of the light deflecting apparatus 10 f. When the light deflecting apparatus 10 f settled in the reset status shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 performs the first operation, the plate 2 is tilted in a direction of an arrow C6, as shown in FIG. 31, and changes its position from the position in the reset status of FIGS. 29 and 30 to a first position shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. The direction of the arrow C6 of FIG. 31 is a reverse direction relative to the direction of the arrow C4 of FIG. 29, and this tilting movement of the plate 2 shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 is made about the same first axis on line K—K, as in the case shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. The position to which the plate 2 moves through the first operation is referred to as a first position. In the first position, the plate 2 is supported by the supporting member 4 c at the central position of the plate 2 and has at least one edge portion (e.g., the portion 2 f) contacting the substrate 3.

Thus, the light deflecting apparatus 10 f can change the direction of the light deflection with the first axis.

In the first operation, the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ are applied with the following exemplary voltages:

6f ₁; Y/2 volts,

6 f ₂; Y/2 volts,

6 f ₃; Y volt, and

6 f ₄; 0 volts.

FIGS. 33 and 34 are cross section views of the light deflecting apparatus 10 f, taken on lines J—J and K—K, respectively, demonstrating a second operation of the light deflecting apparatus 10 f. When the light deflecting apparatus 10 f settled in the reset status shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 performs the second operation, the plate 2 is tilted in a direction of an arrow C7, as shown in FIG. 34, and changes its position from the position in the reset status of FIGS. 29 and 30 to a second position shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. In this case, the tilting movement of the plate 2 shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 is made about a second axis on line J—J. The position to which the plate 2 moves through the second operation is referred to as a second position. In the second position, the plate 2 is supported by the supporting member 4 c at the central position of the plate 2 and has at least one edge portion (e.g., the portion 2 f) contacting the substrate 3.

Thus, the light deflecting apparatus 10 f can change the direction of the light deflection with the second axis.

In the second operation, the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ are applied with the following exemplary voltages:

6 f ₁; Y/2 volts,

6 f ₂; 0 volts,

6 f ₃; Y/2 volts, and

6 f ₄; Y volt.

As described above, the light deflecting apparatus 10 f can change the direction of the light deflection with the first and second axes by the first and second operations applying the above-described predetermined voltages to the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄.

With reference to FIG. 35, the principle of the electrostatic attraction is explained. FIG. 35 is a cross section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 f, for example, taken on line L—L of FIG. 27. In FIG. 35, the light deflecting apparatus 10 f is in the reset operation, applying a positive voltage of X volts to the electrode 6 f ₁ and a voltage of 0 volts to 6 f ₂.

Initially, the plate 2 is electrically floated. When the positive voltage is applied to the electrode 6 f ₁, the electrode 6 f ₁ will have positive charges and consequently negative charges appear in a portion of the plate 2 facing the electrode 6 f ₁ in a dielectric manner via the free space G. At this time, if the plate 2 has a conductive area, the negative charges are effectively dispersed in the plate 2 through the conductive area. Thereby, an electrostatic attraction force is generated between the electrode 6 f ₁ and the corresponding portion of the plate 2.

On the other hand, the generation of the negative charges in the plate 2 cause a generation of positive charges in a portion of the plate 2 facing the electrode 6 f ₂ and the generated positive charges will spread in the plate 2 through the conductive area. Then, in response to the positive charges, negative charges appear on the electrode 6 f ₂. Therefore, an electrostatic attraction force is also generated between the electrode 6 f ₂ and the corresponding portion of the plate 2.

In this way, the electrostatic attraction is generated between the plate 2 and the electrodes 6 f ₁ and 6 f ₂, for example.

The above-described steps in the generation of the electrostatic attraction actually proceed substantially in a simultaneous fashion in response to the voltage difference between the electrodes 6 f ₁ and 6 f ₂.

In addition, the electrically floating plate 2 including the conductive area has a certain voltage determined between the voltages of the electrodes 6 f ₁ and 6 f ₂. Accordingly, the voltage difference between the certain voltage and the voltage of the electrode 6 f ₁ generates the electrostatic attraction and also the voltage difference between the certain voltage and the voltage of the electrode 6 f ₂ generates the electrostatic attraction. This certain voltage may vary mainly according to structural factors including areas of the free space G and the electrodes 6 f ₁ and 6 f ₂, for example.

Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, a light deflecting apparatus 10 h according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 36 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 h, and FIG. 37 is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 h taken on line P—P of FIG. 36. The light deflecting apparatus 10 h of FIG. 36 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 f of FIG. 23, that is, the supporting member 4 c is modified to a supporting member 4 h. The supporting member 4 h has a relative large prism-like shape with a bottom surface having an area nearly covering an entire area of the upper surface of the substance 3, and the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ are disposed on roof-like slopes of the supporting member 4 h, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37.

Although the light deflecting apparatus 10 h has the four divided electrodes (i.e., the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄), the division number with respect to the electrode may not be limited to it and the electrode may be divided into other number of pieces such as two, for example.

The supporting member 4 h is made of a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film, for example, and therefore has a relatively high mechanical strength.

As demonstrated in FIG. 37, with this structure, the electrode comes closer to the plate 2 as the position of the electrode is nearer to the supporting point of the supporting member 4 h. This enables the light deflecting apparatus 10 h to generate a larger electrostatic attraction force than that generated by the light deflecting apparatus 10 f of FIG. 23, for example. In other words, the light deflecting apparatus 10 h can move the plate 2 with a lower voltage than that needed by the light deflecting apparatus 10 f of FIG. 23.

Further, when the plate 2 is settled in one operational position, it is caused to touch the entire surfaces of the corresponding electrodes. This may diffuse the impact in contact and therefore the mechanical strength may not be degraded through a usage for an extended period of time. Also, moving the plate 2 with touching the entire surface of the corresponding electrodes facilitates a directional control relative to the plate 2. As a consequence, the operation is performed in a more stable manner and its response time becomes faster.

Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, a light deflecting apparatus 10 i according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 38 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 i, and FIG. 39 is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 i taken on line Q—Q of FIG. 38. The light deflecting apparatus 10 i of FIG. 38 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 h of FIG. 36, that is, the reflecting surface 1 a of the reflecting member 1 or at least a part of the plate 2 includes a conductive area 2 i in the light reflecting area thereof such that at least a part of the conductive area 2 i faces the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄. The conductive area 2 i preferably is made of metal such as aluminum metal, titan nitride, or titan, for example, in consideration of conductivity.

With this structure, an electrostatic attraction force acting between the plate 2 and the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ can be generated by an application of relatively low driving voltages to the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄, thereby moving the plate 2 in an arbitrary direction.

In addition, the plate 2 settled in one direction can quickly be moved and settled in another arbitrary direction by changing the respective potentials of the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄.

Further, with this structure, potential differences can arbitrarily be generated among the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ so as to control the tilting movement of the plate 2.

Referring to FIGS. 40 and 41, a light deflecting apparatus 10 j according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 40 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 j, and FIG. 41 is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 j taken on line R—R of FIG. 41. The light deflecting apparatus 10 j of FIG. 40 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 h of FIG. 36, that is, the substrate 3 is modified to a substrate 3 i to combine the supporting member 4 h therewith. The substrate 3 j has hollows 3 j ₁ on the upper surface thereof to form roof-like slopes 3 j ₂ for serving as the supporting member 4 h of FIG. 36. The electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ are disposed on the roof-like slopes 3 j ₂. The angle bracket members 5 a ₁–5 a ₄ are disposed on the plane edge surface of the substrate 3 j. The electrically floating plate 2 is held by the supporting point of the substrate 3 j for free movement within the free space G limited by the top portions of the angle bracket members 5 a ₁–5 a ₄ and the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄. The supporting point of the substrate 3 j is arranged below the plane edge surface of the substrate 3 j.

To form the hollows 3 j ₁, the upper surface of the substrate 3 j is etched, or, a relatively thick insulating layer 3 j ₃ is first formed on the substrate 3 j, as shown in FIG. 41, and is then trimmed. During this work, the level of the supporting point is adjusted.

Since the hollows 3 j ₁ makes the free space G greater, it provides a margin for reducing the height of the angle bracket members 5 a ₁–5 a ₄. The angle bracket members 5 a ₁–5 a ₄ preferably have a high mechanical strength and therefore the reduction of the height of the angle bracket members 5 a ₁–5 a ₄ makes their mechanical strength higher.

With this structure, the height of the free space G can arbitrarily adjusted so that the driving voltage for driving the circuit and the reset voltage can suitably adjusted.

Referring to FIGS. 42–44, a light deflecting apparatus 10 k according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 42 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 k, and FIG. 43 is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 k taken on line S—S of FIG. 42. The light deflecting apparatus 10 k of FIG. 42 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 f of FIG. 23. In this modification, and the plate 2 and the reflecting member 1 are modified to a plate 2 k and a reflecting member 1 k in a circular shape. In addition, the angle brackets 5 a ₁–5 a ₄ are modified to an angle bracket 5 k which is a circular single piece, and the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ are modified to electrodes 6 k ₁–6 k ₄ which have the shapes shown in FIG. 42.

In the light deflecting apparatus 10 k having this structure, the reflected light reflected by the reflecting member 1 k become a light ray having a circular cross section. Accordingly, in an image forming apparatus (e.g., the image forming apparatus 200 explained later with reference to FIG. 81) or an image projection display apparatus (e.g., the image projection display apparatus 300 explained later with reference to FIG. 83) employing the light deflecting apparatus 10 k, a single pixel can be formed in a circular shape as shown in FIG. 44. With the plate 2 having an approximately square shape, a pixel is formed in a rectangular shape and a space between adjacent two pixels becomes a line shaped noise. However, the circular-shaped pixel produced with the light deflecting apparatus 10 k can reduce this noise and it can consequently form a relatively high precision image.

Referring to FIGS. 45–46, a light deflecting apparatus 10 m according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 45 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 m, and FIG. 46 is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 m taken on line T—T of FIG. 45. The light deflecting apparatus 10 m of FIG. 45 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. In this modification, the angle brackets 5 a ₁–5 a ₄ are arranged at corners of a square of the substrate 3 having a side length m, as shown in FIG. 45.

With this structure, an etching work with respect to the substrate 3, explained later, is facilitated. In the etching process, the plate 2 and the substrate 3 are immersed in an etching liquid and therefore a manufacturing yield is improved by shortening the etching time.

Referring to FIGS. 47–48, a light deflecting apparatus 10 n according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 47 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 n, and FIG. 48 is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 n taken on line U—U of FIG. 47. The light deflecting apparatus 10 n of FIG. 47 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. In this modification, the angle brackets 5 a ₁–5 a ₄ are changed to an angle bracket 5 n having a single-piece continuous-wall-like shape, as shown in FIG. 47.

With this structure, the plate 2 is more strictly prevented from going out of the free space G. As a result, the mechanical strength is less degraded through a usage for an extended period of time and therefore the light deflecting apparatus 10 n can stably operate the light deflection over an extended period of time.

Since the upper movement of the plate 2 is restricted by the top angled portion of the bracket 5 n, the angle bracket 5 n is preferably made of an insulating film to avoid a transfer of charges from the plate 2 to the angle bracket 5 n when contacting. Thus, the plate 2 can maintain its electrically floating status.

The angle bracket 5 n is also preferably made of a translucent film (e.g., a silicon oxide film). When the angle bracket 5 n is made of a non-translucent material, the light entering the top angled portion of the angle bracket 5 n does not reach the reflecting surface 1 a of the reflecting member 1. With the angle bracket 5 n made of a translucent film, however, the light entering the top angled portion of the angle bracket 5 n passes through it and is reflected by the reflecting surface 1 a of the reflecting member 1. Thus, the effective light amount which is often referred to as an “ON” light amount is increased. This allows the light deflecting apparatus ion to stably perform a fast responsive light deflection operation.

The silicon oxide film has a superior insulation nature as well as the translucent nature and therefore making the angle bracket 5 n of a silicon oxide film facilitates a micromachining and a high integration machining of the light deflecting apparatus 10 n, which methods are explained later. Thereby, it becomes possible to manufacture in a relatively low cost the light deflecting apparatus 10 n with the angle bracket 5 n made of the silicon oxide film which can stably perform a fast responsive light deflection operation.

As an alternative, the angle bracket 5 n may be made of a light-resistant film (e.g., a chromic oxide film) to cut down a light reflection in an undesired direction and, accordingly, a stray light from the deflected light is prevented from entering into the light in a desired direction. Since the stray light is a light element generated when a light deflection in a desired direction is not operated, the angle bracket 5 n made of a chromic oxide film, for example, restricts an “OFF” light amount which represents a light amount when the light deflection in a desired direction is not operated. Therefore, the light deflecting apparatus 10 n having the angle bracket 5 n made of a chromic oxide film can stably perform the light deflection operation.

The chromic oxide film has a superior insulation nature as well as the light-resistant nature and therefore it facilitates a micromachining and a high integration machining of the light deflecting apparatus 10 n, which methods are explained later. Thereby, it becomes possible to manufacture in a relatively low cost the light deflecting apparatus 10 n with the angle bracket 5 n made of the chromic oxide film which can stably perform a fast responsive light deflection operation.

Further, the plate 2 is preferably made of a silicon nitride film and the light reflecting surface 1 a of the light reflecting member 1 is made of an aluminum metal film which has high conductivity and reflectivity.

The plate 2 made of a silicon nitride film has a high dielectric breakdown voltage and a high resistance against a fatigue failure or a degradation caused through a usage over an extended period of time. Accordingly, the plate 2 having a high insulation nature and a high mechanical strength is formed in a light-weighted thin shape by using a silicon nitride film. With the plate 2 formed in a light-weighted thin shape, a high speed operation for a relatively high frequency such as a frequency of at least a few tens of kilohertz, for example, can be achieved.

In addition, by making the reflecting surface 1 a of an aluminum metal film having natures of a high light reflectivity and a high conductivity, it becomes possible to combine a conductive area of the plate 2 with the reflecting surface 1 a. This allows the light deflecting apparatus 10 n to drive the plate 2 with a lower driving voltage and to output a higher reflection light amount.

FIG. 49 shows a light deflecting apparatus 20 which is a one-dimension light deflection array including a plurality of the above-described light deflecting apparatus 10, for example, arranged in a one-dimension formation. In this structure, the light deflecting apparatus 10 may be replaced with any one of the above-described light deflecting apparatuses 10 a–10 n. The light deflecting apparatus 20 can be employed in a latent image forming mechanism of an image forming apparatus (e.g., the image forming apparatus 200 explained later with reference to FIG. 81), for example.

FIG. 50 shows a light deflecting apparatus 30 which is a two-dimension light deflection array including a plurality of the one-dimension light deflecting arrays 10, for example, arranged in a two-dimension formation. The light deflecting apparatus 30 can be employed in a light switching mechanism of an image projection display apparatus, for example.

Referring to FIGS. 51–59, an exemplary method of making a light deflecting apparatus is explained. In this discussion, a light deflecting apparatus to be made is an apparatus similar to the light deflecting apparatus 10 f of FIG. 23, as an example. A first process provides a silicon oxide film on the silicon substrate 3 with a plasma CVD (chemical-vapor deposition) method. Then, a photography using a photomask having a pattern with an area coverage modulation or a photography which thermally deforms a resist pattern is used to form a resist pattern having an approximate shape and a thickness of the supporting member 4c. After that, the formed resist pattern is deformed to an exact shape of the supporting member 4 c with a dry etching method, as shown in FIG. 51.

In the above process, the silicon oxide film having a thickness of approximately 2 μm may be formed, and the works for forming the supporting member 4 c may be performed in an upper layer of approximately 1 μm.

The height of the top of the supporting member 4 c is approximately 1 μm.

A subsequent process provides the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ made of a titanium nitride film. In this process, a titanium nitride film is formed to have a thickness of 0.01 μm with a DC magnetron sputtering process and is patterned into the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ with a photography and a dry etching method. In FIG. 52 (and also in the subsequent drawings), the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ are represented by reference numeral 6 for the convenience sake.

Then, a next process provides a protection layer 6 f ₅ made of a silicon nitride film having a thickness of 0.2 μm with the plasma CVD method. This protection layer 6 f ₅ is formed to protect the surfaces of the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ (see FIG. 53).

A next process forms a noncrystalline silicon film having a thickness of 2 μm on the protection layer 6 f ₅ with a sputtering method, and the noncrystalline silicon film is smoothed through a process time control using a CMP (chemical mechanical polishing) technology. In this example, the process time control is conducted with reference to a time period in that the thickness of the noncrystalline silicon film remaining on the top of the supporting member 4 c is reduced to 0.1 μm. The noncrystalline silicon film remaining on the protection layer 6 f ₅ is referred to as a first sacrifice layer 7 (see FIG. 54).

As an alternative to the noncrystalline silicon film, the first sacrifice layer 7 may be made of a polyimide film or a photosensitive organic film, or a resist film or a polycrystalline silicon film which are generally used in a semiconductor process. The smoothing method may be a reflow method with a thermal processing or an etch back method with the dry etching.

Then, a next process forms a silicon nitride layer of a 0.2-μm thick on the first sacrifice layer 7 with the plasma CVD method and subsequently forms an aluminum metal film of a 0.05-μm thick on the silicon nitride layer with the sputtering method. After that, the aluminum metal film is patterned into a conductive area of the plate 2 combining the reflecting surface 1 a and the silicon nitride layer is patterned into the plate 2, with the photography and the dry etching method (see FIG. 55).

A next process provides a noncrystalline silicon film of a 1-μm thick on the conductive area of the plate 2 with the sputtering method. This noncrystalline silicon film is referred to as a second sacrifice layer 7 a (see FIG. 56). The second sacrifice layer 7 a may made of a resist film or polycrystalline silicon film which are generally used in a semiconductor process.

A subsequent process divides each light deflecting apparatus with patterns of the first and second sacrifice layers 7 and 7 a together using the photography and the dry etching method. At this time, the pattern areas of the first and second sacrifice layers 7 and 7 a are slightly larger than the area of the plate 2 including the conductive area combined with the reflecting surface 1 a of the reflecting member 1 (see FIG. 57). This process prepares for a next process for providing the angle brackets 5 around the plate 2.

FIG. 58 shows a process for forming the angle brackets 5 (i.e., the angel brackets 5 a ₁–5 a ₄). In this process, a silicon oxide film of a 0.8-μm thick is formed with the plasma CVD method and is patterned to make the angle brackets 5 with the photography and the dry etching method.

Then, a final process removes the remaining first and second sacrifice layers 7 and 7 a through an opening with a wet etching method so that the plate 2 is supported by the supporting member 4 c for a free movement within the free space G. Thus, the procedure for making the light deflecting apparatus 10 f shown in FIG. 23 is completed (see FIG. 59).

In this process, the angle brackets 5 are positioned at the four corners of the first and second sacrifice layers 7 and 7 a in the substantially square shape with leaving the four sides open and therefore the etching removal can be completed in a relatively short period of time.

In the process for forming the angle brackets 5 shown in FIG. 58, the angel brackets 5 may have other shapes as shown in FIGS. 60 and 61, for example.

The thus-made light deflecting apparatus 10 f with the method explained with reference to FIGS. 51–59 is capable of stably performing a fast-responsive light deflection in directions for one deflection-axis or two deflection-axes by a simple control with a simple structure without restricting an input light wavelength. Further, the light deflecting apparatus 10 f is operative with a relatively low driving voltage and has a stable mechanical strength for usage over an extended period of time with lesser variations or degradation in the mechanism.

In addition, the method explained with reference to FIGS. 5–59 is capable of achieving the micromachining and the integration machining in a relatively low cost, while requiring no specific use environment to the resultant light deflecting apparatus 10 f.

Referring to FIGS. 62–71, another exemplary method of making a light deflecting apparatus is explained. In this discussion, a light deflecting apparatus to be made is referred to as a light deflecting apparatus 10 p. The light deflecting apparatus 10 p is similar to the light deflecting apparatus 10 f of FIG. 23, except for the relatively small convex portion 2 a ₁ at substantially the central position of the plate 2 a in contact with the supporting member 4, which is the feature of the light deflecting apparatus 10 a of FIG. 6.

In this method, a first process provides a silicon oxide film on the silicon substrate 3 with the plasma CVD (chemical-vapor deposition) method. Then, the photography using a photomask having a pattern with an area coverage modulation or the photography which thermally deforms a resist pattern is used to form a resist pattern having an approximate shape and a thickness of the supporting member 4 c. After that, the formed resist pattern is deformed to an exact shape of the supporting member 4 c with the dry etching method, as shown in FIG. 62.

In the above process, the silicon oxide film having a thickness of approximately 2 μm may be formed, and the works for forming the supporting member 4 c may be performed in an upper layer of approximately 1 μm.

The height of the top of the supporting member 4 c is approximately 1 μm.

A subsequent process provides the electrodes 6 (e.g., the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄) made of a titanium nitride film. In this process, a titanium nitride film is formed to have a thickness of 0.01 μm with the DC magnetron sputtering process and is patterned into the electrodes 6 with the photography and the dry etching method.

Then, a next process provides a protection layer 6 f ₅ made of a silicon nitride film having a thickness of 0.2 μm with the plasma CVD method. This protection layer 6 f ₅ is formed to protect the surfaces of the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ (see FIG. 64).

A next process forms a noncrystalline silicon film having a thickness of 2 μm on the protection layer 6 f ₅ with the sputtering method, and the noncrystalline silicon film is smoothed through a process time control using the CMP (chemical mechanical polishing). In this example, the process time control is conducted with reference to a time period in that the thickness of the noncrystalline silicon film on the top of the supporting member 4 c is completely removed and the supporting member 4 c is exposed outside. In addition, the CMP is set to conditions in that the supporting member 4 c and the protection layer 6 f ₅ are more polished so that, around the top portion of the supporting member 4 c, a supporting point of the supporting member 4 c remains and the noncrystalline silicon film remains at a level lower than the supporting point of the supporting member 4 c. The supporting point of the supporting member 4 c is projected by approximately 0.2 μm. The noncrystalline silicon film remaining on the protection layer 6 f ₅ is referred to as a first sacrifice layer 7 (see FIG. 65).

As an alternative to the noncrystalline silicon film, the first sacrifice layer 7 may be made of a polyimide film or a photosensitive organic film, or a resist film or a polycrystalline silicon film which are generally used in a semiconductor process. The smoothing method may be the etch back method with the dry etching.

In a next process, a noncrystalline silicon film of a 0.1-μm thick is formed on the first sacrifice layer 7 with the sputtering method (see FIG. 66). This noncrystalline silicon film formed on the first sacrifice layer 7 is referred to as a third sacrifice layer 7 b.

Then, a next process forms a silicon nitride layer of a 0.2-μm thick on the first sacrifice layer 7 with the plasma CVD method and subsequently forms an aluminum metal film of a 0.05-μm thick on the silicon nitride layer with the sputtering method. After that, the aluminum metal film is patterned into a conductive area of the plate 2 combining the reflecting surface 1 a and the silicon nitride layer is then patterned into the plate 2 with the convex portion 2 a ₁, by the photography and the dry etching method (see FIG. 67).

A next process provides a noncrystalline silicon film of a 1-μm thick on the conductive area of the plate 2 with the sputtering method. This noncrystalline silicon film is referred to as a second sacrifice layer 7 a (see FIG. 68). The second sacrifice layer 7 a may made of a polyimide film or a photosensitive organic film, or a resist film or polycrystalline silicon film which are generally used in a semiconductor process.

A subsequent process divides each light deflecting apparatus with patterns of the first, second, and third sacrifice layers 7, 7 a, and 7 b together using the photography and the dry etching method. At this time, the pattern areas of the first, second, and third sacrifice layers 7, 7 a, and 7 b are slightly larger than the area of the plate 2 including the conductive area combined with the reflecting surface 1 a of the reflecting member 1 (see FIG. 69). This process prepares for a next process for providing the angle brackets 5 around the plate 2.

FIG. 70 shows a process for forming the angle brackets 5 (i.e., the angel brackets 5 a ₁–5 a ₄). In this process, a silicon oxide film of a 0.8-μm thick is formed with the plasma CVD method and is patterned to make the angle brackets 5 with the photography and the dry etching method.

Then, a final process removes the remaining first, second, and third sacrifice layers 7, 7 a, and 7 b through an opening with the wet etching method so that the plate 2 is supported by the supporting member 4 c for a free movement within the free space G. Thus, the procedure for making the light deflecting apparatus 10 p is completed (see FIG. 71).

In this process, the angle brackets 5 are positioned at the four corners of the first, second, and third sacrifice layers 7, 7 a, and 7 b in the substantially square shape with leaving the four sides open and therefore the etching removal can be completed in a relatively short period of time.

In the process for forming the angle brackets 5 shown in FIG. 70, the angel brackets 5 may have other shapes as shown in FIGS. 60 and 61, for example.

In the thus-made light deflecting apparatus 10 p with the method explained with reference to FIGS. 62–71, the plate 2 a has the relatively small convex portion 2 a ₁ at substantially the central position thereof in contact with the supporting member 4 and is therefore capable of moving about the convex portion 2 a ₁ without disengaging from the supporting member 4 c. Therefore, the light deflecting apparatus 10 p can stably perform a fast-responsive light deflection in directions with one deflection-axis or two deflection-axes by a simple control with a simple structure without restricting an input light wavelength. Further, the light deflecting apparatus 10 p is operative with a relatively low driving voltage and has a stable mechanical strength for usage over an extended period of time with lesser variations or degradation in the mechanism.

In addition, the method explained with reference to FIGS. 62–71 is capable of achieving the micromachining and the integration machining in a relatively low cost, while requiring no specific use environment to the resultant light deflecting apparatus 10 p.

Referring to FIGS. 72–80, another exemplary method of making a light deflecting apparatus is explained. In this discussion, a light deflecting apparatus to be made is an apparatus similar to the light deflecting apparatus 10 j of FIG. 41, as an example. A first process provides a resist pattern on the silicon substrate 3 j with the photography using a photomask having a pattern with an area coverage modulation or a density modulation. This resist pattern has an approximate shape and a thickness of the hollows 3 j ₁ or the roof-like slopes 3 j ₂ serving as the supporting member. After that, the formed resist pattern is deformed to the roof-like slopes 3 j ₂ serving as the supporting member with the dry etching method, as shown in FIG. 72. Then, in order to have an insulation to the substrate 3 j, a silicon oxide film is formed to a thickness of approximately 1 μm on the roof-like slopes 3 j ₂ by the plasma CVD. Thereby, the hollows 3 j ₁ are formed, and the roof-like slopes 3 j ₂ covered with the silicon oxide film of a 1-μm thick, serving as the supporting member, are provided on the substrate 3 j.

In the above process, the silicon oxide film having a thickness of approximately 2 μm may be formed, and the works for forming the supporting member may be performed in an upper layer of approximately 1 μm.

The height of the top of the supporting member is approximately 0.3 μm.

A subsequent process provides the electrodes 6 (i.e., the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄) made of a titanium nitride film (see FIG. 73). In this process, a titanium nitride film is formed to have a thickness of 0.01 μm with the DC magnetron sputtering process and is patterned into the electrodes 6 f ₁–6 f ₄ with the photography and the dry etching method.

Then, a next process provides a protection layer 6 f ₅ made of a silicon nitride film having a thickness of 0.2 μm with the plasma CVD method. This protection layer 6 f ₅ is formed to protect the surfaces of the electrodes 6 f 1–6 f 4 (see FIG. 74).

A next process forms a noncrystalline silicon film having a thickness of 2 μm on the protection layer 6 f ₅ with the plasma CVD. Then, the noncrystalline silicon film is polished to be smoothed, with the CMP. In this polishing, the substrate 3 j and the protection layer 6 f ₅ are used as etching stop layers.

In this process, the noncrystalline silicon film in the hollows 3 j ₁ is not over-polished due to the effect of the etching stop layers, so that the smoothing of the noncrystalline silicon film is achieved under a high precision control.

In this example, the thickness of the noncrystalline silicon film remaining on the top of the supporting member is reduced to 0.2 μm. The noncrystalline silicon film remaining on the protection layer 6 f ₅ is referred to as a first sacrifice layer 7 (see FIG. 75).

As an alternative to the noncrystalline silicon film, the first sacrifice layer 7 may be made of a polyimide film or a photosensitive organic film, or a resist film or a polycrystalline silicon film which are generally used in a semiconductor process. The smoothing method may be a reflow method with a thermal processing or an etch back method with the dry etching.

Then, a next process forms a silicon nitride layer of a 0.2-μm thick on the first sacrifice layer 7 with the plasma CVD method and subsequently forms an aluminum metal film of a 0.05-μm thick on the silicon nitride layer with the sputtering method. After that, the aluminum metal film is patterned into a conductive area of the plate 2 combining the reflecting surface 1 a and the silicon nitride layer is patterned into the plate 2, with the photography and the dry etching method (see FIG. 76).

A next process provides a noncrystalline silicon film of a 1-μm thick on the conductive area of the plate 2 with the sputtering method. This noncrystalline silicon film is referred to as a second sacrifice layer 7 a (see FIG. 77). The second sacrifice layer 7 a may made of a polyimide film or a photosensitive organic film, or a resist film or polycrystalline silicon film which are generally used in a semiconductor process.

A subsequent process divides each light deflecting apparatus with patterns of the first and second sacrifice layers 7 and 7 a together using the photography and the dry etching method. At this time, the pattern areas of the first and second sacrifice layers 7 and 7 a are slightly larger than the area of the plate 2 including the conductive area combined with the reflecting surface 1 a of the reflecting member 1 (see FIG. 78). This process prepares for a next process for providing the angle brackets 5 around the plate 2.

FIG. 79 shows a process for forming the angle brackets 5 (i.e., the angel brackets 5 a ₁–5 a ₄). In this process, a silicon oxide film of a 0.8-μm thick is formed with the plasma CVD method and is patterned to make the angle brackets 5 with the photography and the dry etching method.

Then, a final process removes the remaining first and second sacrifice layers 7 and 7 a through an opening with a wet etching method so that the plate 2 is supported by the supporting member for a free movement within the free space G. Thus, the procedure for making the light deflecting apparatus 10 j shown in FIG. 41 is completed (see FIG. 80).

In this process, the angle brackets 5 are positioned at the four corners of the first and second sacrifice layers 7 and 7 a in the substantially square shape with leaving the four sides open and therefore the etching removal can be completed in a relatively short period of time.

In the process for forming the angle brackets 5 shown in FIG. 79, the angel brackets 5 may have other shapes as shown in FIGS. 60 and 61, for example.

The thus-made light deflecting apparatus 10 j with the method explained with reference to FIGS. 72–80 is capable of stably performing a fast-responsive light deflection in directions with one deflection-axis or two deflection-axes by a simple control with a simple structure without restricting an input light wavelength. Further, the light deflecting apparatus 10 j is operative with a relatively low driving voltage and has a stable mechanical strength for usage over an extended period of time with lesser variations or degradation in the mechanism.

In addition, the method explained with reference to FIGS. 72–80 is capable of achieving the micromachining and the integration machining in a relatively low cost, while requiring no specific use environment to the resultant light deflecting apparatus 10 j.

Next, the image forming apparatus 200 is explained with reference to FIG. 81. FIG. 81 shows the image forming apparatus 200 which forms an image by optically writing image data with an electrophotographic method. The image forming apparatus 200 includes an image carrying mechanism 201, a latent image forming mechanism 202, a development mechanism 203, a transfer mechanism 204, a charging mechanism 205, a fixing mechanism 206, a sheet ejecting tray 207, and a cleaning mechanism 208.

The image carrying mechanism 201 includes a drum-shaped photosensitive surface and is rotated in a direction C8. The image carrying mechanism 201 is evenly charged by the charging mechanism 205. The latent image forming mechanism 202 forms a latent image on the photosensitive surface of the image carrying mechanism 201. The development mechanism 203 develops with toner the latent image formed on the photosensitive surface of the image carrying mechanism 201. The transfer mechanism 204 transfers the toner image onto a recording sheet V. The fixing mechanism 206 fixes the toner image to the recording sheet V with heat and pressure. The recording sheet V is ejected to the sheet ejecting tray 207. The cleaning mechanism 208 cleans off the photosensitive surface of the image carrying mechanism 201.

As shown in FIG. 81, the latent image forming mechanism 202 includes an optical information processing apparatus 100 which includes the light deflecting apparatus 20 of FIG. 49, i.e., a one-dimension light deflection array, including a plurality of the above-described light deflecting apparatuses 10, for example, arranged in a one-dimension formation. The optical information processing apparatus 100 further includes a driving mechanism 101, a light source 102, a first lens system 103, and a second lens system 104.

In the optical information processing apparatus 100, the light source 102 emits light W1 which travels through the first lens system 103 to each of the light deflecting apparatuses 10 of the light deflecting apparatus 20. The driving mechanism 101 independently drives each of the light deflecting apparatuses 10 of the light deflecting apparatus 20 in accordance with input image data. That is, the driving mechanism 101 independently changes the reflection angle relative to the input light W1 by changing the position of the plate 2 in each light deflecting apparatus 10 according to the input image data. Therefore, the reflection of the light W1 towards the photosensitive surface of the image carrying member 201 is controlled according to the input image data by the light deflecting apparatus 20. The light W1 reflected by the light deflecting apparatus 20 travels through the second lens system 104 to the photosensitive surface to form a latent image. Thus, the image forming apparatus 200 including the light deflecting apparatus 20 effectively forms an image according to the input image data.

Next, the image projection display apparatus 300 is explained with reference to FIG. 82. FIG. 82 shows the image projection display apparatus 300 which projects an image by deflecting light of an image. The image projection display apparatus 300 includes a light switching mechanism 301 and a projection screen 302. The light switching mechanism 301 includes an optical information processing apparatus 100 a which includes the light deflecting apparatus 30 of FIG. 50, i.e., a two-dimension light deflection array, including a plurality of the above-described light deflecting apparatuses 10, for example, arranged in a two-dimension formation. The optical information processing apparatus 100 a further includes the driving mechanism 101, the light source 102, a projection lens 105, an aperture 106, a rotary color hole 107, and a micro-lens array 108.

In the optical information processing apparatus 100 a, the light source 102 emits light W2 which travels, through the rotary color hole 107 for a color display and the micro-lens array 108 for a high precision, to each of the light deflecting apparatuses 10 of the light deflecting apparatus 30. The driving mechanism 101 independently drives each of the light deflecting apparatuses 10 of the light deflecting apparatus 30 in accordance with input image data. That is, the driving mechanism 101 independently changes the reflection angle relative to the input light W2 by changing the position of the plate 2 in each light deflecting apparatus 10 according to the input image data. Therefore, the reflection of the light W2 towards the screen 302 is controlled according to the input image data by the light deflecting apparatus 30. The light W2 reflected by the light deflecting apparatus 30 travels through the projection lens 105 and the aperture 106 to the screen 302 to form an image. Thus, the image projection display apparatus 300 including the light deflecting apparatus 30 effectively projects a desired image on the screen.

Next, the optical data transmission apparatus 400 is explained with reference to FIG. 83. FIG. 83 shows the optical data transmission apparatus 400 for transmitting an optical data signal. The optical data transmission apparatus 400 includes an optical data input mechanism 401, an optical data switching mechanism 402, and an optical data output mechanism 403.

The optical data input mechanism 401 includes a plurality of transmission ports, including transmission ports 401 a ₁, 401 a ₂, and 401 a ₃, for example, for inputting optical data signals to the optical data switching mechanism 402. The optical data switching mechanism 402 includes light deflection controllers 402 a ₁ and 402 a ₂ and corresponding two stages of the light deflecting apparatuses 30 of FIG. 50, i.e., a two-dimension light deflection array, each including a plurality of the above-described light deflecting apparatuses 10, for example, arranged in a two-dimension formation. Each of light deflection controllers 402 a ₁ and 402 a ₂ independently and simultaneously drives the plurality of light deflecting apparatuses 10 included in each of the two light deflecting apparatuses 30. The optical data switching mechanism 402 determines light reflection directions with respect to the input optical data signals by switching the light reflection angles in the one-dimension direction or in the two-dimension direction of the plate 2 in each of the light deflecting apparatus 10 of the light deflecting apparatus 30. The optical data output mechanism 403 includes a plurality of transmission ports, including transmission ports 401 b ₁, 401 b ₂, and 401 b ₃, for example, for outputting the optical data signals emitted from the optical switching mechanism 402.

Thus, the optical data transmission apparatus 400 including the light deflecting apparatus 30 effectively transmits the optical data.

In the above-described optical data switching mechanism 402, the light deflection angle is made relatively large by having the two stages of the light deflecting apparatus 30. However, a single stage of the light deflecting apparatus 30 may be used when the number of the selectable transmission ports is relatively small.

Referring to FIGS. 84 and 85, a light deflecting apparatus 10 q according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 84 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 q, and FIG. 85 is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 q taken on line AA—AA of FIG. 84. The light deflecting apparatus 10 q of FIG. 84 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 c of FIG. 12, that is, the supporting member 4 c is modified to a supporting member 4 q having a pyramid shape. The top of the supporting member 4 q is preferably rounded to disperse the stress, but it may also be pointed. The supporting member 4 q is made of a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film, for example, and therefore it may have a relatively high mechanical strength.

Referring to FIGS. 86 and 87, a light deflecting apparatus 10 r according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 86 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 r, and FIG. 87 is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 r taken on line AA—AA of FIG. 86. The light deflecting apparatus 10 r of FIG. 86 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 c of FIG. 12, that is, the supporting member 4 c is modified to a supporting member 4 r having a pyramid shape which base has an area substantially equal to that of the plate 2. With this structure, the plate 2 can stably maintain its position when tilted due to the electrostatic attraction force since the supporting surface of the supporting member 4 r is wide.

Referring to FIG. 88, a light deflecting apparatus 10 s according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 88 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 s. The light deflecting apparatus 10 s of FIG. 88 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 k of FIG. 42, that is, the supporting member 4 is modified to an octagonal pyramid supporting member 4 s and the four-piece electrodes 6 k ₁–6 k ₄ are modified to eight pieces of corresponding triangular electrodes 6 s ₁–6 s ₈. In addition, the single circumferential angle bracket 5 k is modified to four piece angle brackets 5 s ₁–5 s ₄.

For example, when the electrodes 6 s ₁–6 s ₈ are applied with the following voltages:

6 s ₁–6 s ₅; Y/2 volts,

6 s ₆; Y volts,

6 s ₇; Y/2 volt, and

6 s 8; 0 volts,

the plate 2 k is attracted by the electrostatic attraction forces acting between the plate 2 k and the electrode 6 s ₆ and between the plate 2 k and the electrode 6 s ₈ and is eventually tilted to sit on the portion of the supporting member 4 ka corresponding to the electrode 6 s ₇ existing between the electrodes 6 s ₆ and 6 s ₈.

The base area of the octagonal pyramid supporting member 4 s is preferably close to the area of the plate 2 k so that the plate 2 k stably sits on the corresponding portion of the supporting member 4 s.

In this example, the four angle brackets 5 s ₁–5 s ₄ are discretely disposed on the circular edge of the substrate 3. Whether such discrete arrangement or the single circumferential arrangement as shown in FIG. 42 may be determined when an entire array structure is designed.

The shape of the supporting member 4 s is not limited to the octagonal pyramid and may be any polygonal pyramid such as a hexagonal pyramid, a heptagonal pyramid, a decagonal pyramid, and so forth. For example, when the supporting member 4 s is a hexagonal pyramid, the light deflection is made with three axes. Likewise, an octagonal pyramid member makes the light deflection with four axes and a decagonal pyramid member makes the light deflection with five axes.

Furthermore, even if the supporting member has a conical shape, the plate 2 k may effectively tilt with the electrode divided into an arbitrary plural electrically-isolated pieces such as the electrodes 6 ka ₁–6 ka ₈, although the plate 2 k may not stably sit on such conical shape supporting member.

Referring to FIGS. 89 and 90, a light deflecting apparatus 10 t according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 89 is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 t, and FIG. 90 is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 10 t taken on line CC—CC of FIG. 89. The light deflecting apparatus 10 t of FIG. 89 is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, that is, the plate 2 is modified to a single-layered plate 2 t made of a material such as aluminum having a relatively high reflectance. With the aluminum single-layered plate 2 t, the plate is not needed to have an extra reflecting member (e.g., the reflecting member 1).

Next, a light deflecting apparatus 2100 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 91A and 91B. FIG. 91A is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100, and FIG. 91B is a cross-section view taken on line DD—DD of FIG. 91A. The light deflecting apparatus 2100 deflects input light into a signal axial reflective direction or two axial reflective directions. As shown in FIGS. 91A and 91B, the light deflecting apparatus 2100 includes a substrate 2101, an angle bracket 2102, a supporting member 2103, and a plate 2104.

The substrate 2101 may be made of any material but is preferably, in consideration of miniaturization, a material generally used in a semiconductor process or a liquid crystal process, such as silicon, glass, or the like. The substrate 2101 may be combined with a driving circuit substrate (not shown) having a plane direction (100) to make the light deflecting apparatus 2100 in a simple and lower cost structure.

The angle brackets 2102 have a stopper 2102 a at one end thereof for stopping the plate 2104. The angle brackets 2102 are preferably made of a material capable of being miniaturized and having a high mechanical strength in order to maximize an area ratio of the reflection region, particularly, when a plurality of the light reflecting apparatuses are miniaturized into an array form. In addition, since the angle brackets 2102 are likely to be obstacles to the mirroring operation, the angle brackets 2102 are preferably made of a translucent material such as a silicon oxide film so as to minimize a loss of the mirroring capability. However, when a scattering is being concerned, the angle brackets 2102 may be subjected to a treatment of providing a nature of an optical absorption to the surface thereof.

The supporting member 2103 preferably has a conical shape and its top portion 2013 a serves as a fulcrum for the movement of the plate 2104. However, the shape of the supporting member 2103 is not limited to the cone but any shape capable of being a fulcrum for the movement of the plate 2104. At least the top portion 2013 a of the supporting member 2103 contacting the plate 2104 is conductive. The supporting member 2103 needs to have a good conductivity and a high mechanical strength, and is preferably made of a crystal silicon film or a polycrystalline silicon film, having a low resistivity, a metal film, a metal silicide film such as a tungsten silicide film and a titan silicide film, or a multi-layered film including a metal film and an insulation film such as a silicon oxide film and a silicon nitride film. In the case of the multi-layered film including a metal film and an insulation film, a potential applying line for applying a potential to the plate 2104 and a connection hole for connecting the metal film.

The plate 2104 has no edge portion fixed, and is movably held on the top portion 2013 a of the supporting member 2103. The plate 2104 moves within a predetermined space determined by the substrate 2101, the supporting member 2103, the angle brackets 2102, and the stoppers 2102 a. The plate 2104 is entirely made of a conductive layer. However, the plate 2104 partly including a conductive layer on the upper or bottom surface thereof may be used due to a reason of an action by an electrostatic attraction force, later explained.

The plate 2104 includes a contact portion 2104 a in a bottom side thereof contacting the supporting member 2103 and, in the plate 2104, at least the contact portion 2104 a is conductive. The contact portion 2104 a may be the above-mentioned conductive layer or a separate portion. When the contact portion 2104 a is separate from the conductive portion, they are needed to be electrically connected. The plate 2104 needs to have a good conductivity and a high mechanical strength and is preferably made of a metal film including an aluminum, a chromium, a titanium, a gold, or a silver. When a light reflecting region 2104 b of the plate 2104 is an entire upper surface of the plate 2104, the plate 2104 is preferably made of an aluminum metal having a superior reflection capability. As described above, the plate 2104 is restricted in moving within the predetermined space and, for this purpose, the angel brackets 2102 are arranged to allow the plate 2104 to tilt about the contacting portion 2104 a supported by the top portion 2103 a of the supporting member 2103. Furthermore, the plate 2104 is preferably plane and at least the light reflecting region 2104 b is preferably flat. The flatness of the plate 2104 allows the light lays entering the light reflecting region 2104 b to be reflected in an aligned direction. The plate 2104 preferably has a radius of curvature of a few meters or greater. The light reflecting region 2104 b may be referred simply to as a light reflecting surface when discussing merely on the light reflecting function of the light reflecting region 2104 b.

The above-described feature by the flatness of the light reflecting region 2104 b avoids an adverse effect to between adjacent optical devices and is therefore important in particular when the light deflecting apparatus 2100 is employed in optical equipment such as an optical information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus (e.g., an image forming apparatus 1300 explained later with reference to FIG. 103), an image projection display apparatus (e.g., an image projection display apparatus 1400 explained later with reference to FIG. 104), an optical transmission apparatus (e.g., an optical data transmission apparatus 1500 explained later with reference to FIG. 105), and so forth.

Referring to FIGS. 92A and 92B, a light deflecting apparatus 2100 a according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 92A is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 a, and FIG. 92B is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 a taken on line EE—EE of FIG. 92A. The light deflecting apparatus 2100 a of FIG. 92A is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 of FIG. 91A, that is, the plate 2104 is modified to a plate 2204 including a dielectric layer 2201 and a conductive layer 2202. In addition, the plate 2204 includes a contacting portion 2204 a which includes the conductive layer 2202 to contact the top portion 2013 a of the supporting member 2103. The conductive layer 2202 may be structured in a manner similar to the plate 2104 of FIG. 91B. The dielectric layer 2201 preferably has a high dielectric strength of three or greater. More preferably, the dielectric layer 2201 is made of a silicon nitride film, having a dielectric strength of from 6 to 8 and a high mechanical strength. Reference numeral 2204 b denotes an opening formed in the dielectric layer 2201 so that the contacting portion 2204 a contacts the top portion 2103 a. The opening 2204 b is formed with a patterning process by the photography.

Referring to FIGS. 93A and 93B, a light deflecting apparatus 2100 b according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 93A is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 b, and FIG. 93B is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 b taken on line FF—FF of FIG. 93A. The light deflecting apparatus 2100 b of FIG. 93A is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 of FIG. 91A, that is, four electrodes 2301 are provided to the upper surface of the substrate 2101. The electrodes 2301 are electrically separated from the conductive top portion 2013 a of the supporting member 2103. The electrodes 2301 need to be conductive and are made of metal such as an aluminum metal, titanium nitride, or a titanium. The electrodes 2301 are arranged such that at least a portion of the conductive layer included in the plate 2104 faces the electrodes 2301. A space between the portions thus facing each other is acted with an electrostatic attraction force generated due to a difference between voltages applied to one of the electrodes 2301 and to the plate 2104 via the supporting member 2103 so that the plate 2104 is tilted in a desired direction. When the application of voltage to the electrode 2301 is changed to another electrode 2301, the plate 2104 can quickly move in another direction. Thus, by arbitrarily changing the application of the voltage to the four electrodes 2301, the tilt movement of the plate 2104 can be controlled with tow-axis directions in a high precision manner.

Referring to FIGS. 94A and 94B, a light deflecting apparatus 2100 c according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 94A is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 c, and FIG. 94B is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 c taken on line GG—GG of FIG. 94A. The light deflecting apparatus 2100 c of FIG. 94A is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 of FIG. 91A, that is, the supporting member 2103 is modified to a supporting member 2401 having a rectangular solid shape. In addition, the angle brackets 2102 are modified to angle brackets 2102 c differently shaped and arranged from those of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 of FIG. 91A. As shown in FIG. 95A, the supporting member 2401 has a ridgeline supporting the plate 2104 and two wide area slopes for contacting the plate 2104 when the plate 2104 is tilted. With this ridgeline of the supporting member 2401, the plate 2104 can arbitrarily be tilted in directions with one deflection-axis. The shape of the supporting member 2401 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 95A. For example, a supporting member 2401 a having a rounded top, as shown in FIG. 95B, may be used as an alternative to the supporting member 2401. For another example, a supporting member 2401 b having pentagonal rectangular solid shape, as shown in FIG. 95C, may also be used as an alternative to the supporting member 2401.

Referring to FIGS. 96A and 96B, a light deflecting apparatus 2100 d according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 96A is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 d, and FIG. 96B is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 d taken on line HH—HH of FIG. 96A. The light deflecting apparatus 2100 d of FIG. 96A is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 c of FIG. 94A, that is, the supporting member 2401 is modified to a supporting member 601 having a triangular solid shape. As shown in FIG. 96A, the supporting member 601 has wide two roof-like-shaped slopes corresponding to nearly an entire area of the plate 2104 and is attached with the four electrodes 2301 thereon. The supporting member 601 are preferably made of an insulating material to electrically separate the electrodes 2301 from each other but includes a top portion 602 made of a conductive material to apply a voltage to the plate 2104. The top portion 602 is preferably formed together with the supporting member 601 at the same time into the same film.

In addition, to prevent an occurrence of a short circuit between the plate 2104 and the electrodes 2301 when the plate 2104 is tilted and contacts the electrodes 2301, the electrodes 2301 are covered with an insulating film 603 which is preferably made of an insulating material such as a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film. As an alternative to the insulating film 603, the plate 2104 may include the dielectric layer 2201, as explained with reference to FIG. 92B. The insulating film 603 is needed to have an opening for allowing an connection to the top portion 602 of the supporting member 601.

With this structure, a portion of the electrodes 2301 comes closer to the plate 2104 as it is closer to the ridgeline thereof and accordingly a greater electrostatic attraction force is generated. In other words, the plate 2104 can be driven with a smaller voltage. Also, the contact of the plate 2104 with the slopes of the supporting member 601 is made with their surfaces and accordingly the impact of the contact can be dispersed. Therefore, the movement of the plate 2104 can stably be controlled.

Referring to FIGS. 97A and 97B, a light deflecting apparatus 2100 e according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 97A is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 e, and FIG. 97B is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 e taken on line II—II of FIG. 97A. The light deflecting apparatus 2100 e of FIG. 97A is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 d of FIG. 96A, that is, the insulating film 603 is modified to an insulating film 604 having a plurality of small circular projections 701 arbitrarily arranged relative to the slope surfaces of the supporting member 601. The direction of the light reflection is determined by the contact of the plate 2104 with these small circular projections 701 of the insulating film 604. The plurality of small circular projections 701 are preferably made by a process of patterning an insulating film (e.g., the insulating film 604), which is later explained.

The size, height, and pitch of the projections 701 can be determined on a basis of a relationship between the electrostatic attraction force and a stiffness of the plate 2104. The shape of the projections 701 may freely be determined within a limit that the plate 2104 does not contact the electrodes 2301 due to its deformation. When the plate 2104 is a thin film having a high stiffness, it resists being deformed. Therefore, in this case, the projections 701 can be formed with a small size, a low height, and small pitch. With such structure, the contact area between the projections 701 and the plate 2104 can be made small and, as a result, an adhesion of the projections 701 and the plate 2104 can be avoided in a usage for an extended period of time.

Referring to FIGS. 98A–98K, a light deflecting apparatus 2100 f according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 98A is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f. FIGS. 98B and 98C are cross-section views of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f taken on line JJ—JJ and line KK—KK, respectively, of FIG. 98A. FIGS. 98D–98K explain operations of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f.

In the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f of FIG. 98A, the substrate 2101, the supporting member 2103, the plate 2204 including the dielectric layer 2201, the conductive layer 2202, the contacting portion 2204 a, and the opening 2204 b are equivalent to those of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 a of FIG. 92B. The angle brackets 2101 c are equivalent to those of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 c of FIG. 94B. Further, reference numerals 800, 800 b, 800 c, and 800 d denote electrodes which are equivalent to the electrodes 2301 of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 b of FIG. 93B. Further, reference numerals 801 and 802 denote a dielectric layer and a conductive layer, respectively, of the supporting member 2103. The electrodes 800 a–800 d are arranged to face the plate 2204 having the dielectric layer 2201 and the conductive layer 2202, and are made of the same material as the electrodes 2301. The top portion 2013 a of the supporting member 2103 is formed in a multi-layered form including the dielectric layer 801 made of an insulating silicon film and the conductive layer 802. The conductive layer 802 is made of the same material as the electrodes 800 a–800 d and is patterned together with the electrodes 800 a–800 d.

In the following discussion, the views of FIGS. 98D, 98F, 98H, and 98J show the movements of the plate 2204 with a first axis taken on line LL—LL, and the views of FIGS. 98E, 98G, 98I, and 98K show the movements of the plate 2204 with a second axis taken on line JJ—JJ.

FIG. 98D and 98E are cross section views of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f taken on line JJ—JJ and line LL—LL, respectively, of FIG. 98A, and are virtually made, for the sake of clarity, to demonstrate a condition when the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f is in an initial status, in consideration of the nature that the plate 2204 is freely movable with being held by the supporting member 2103.

FIGS. 98F and 98G are cross section views of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f taken on line JJ—JJ and line LL—LL, respectively, of FIG. 98A, demonstrating a reset operation of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f. When the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f settled in the initial status performs the reset operation, the plate 2204 is moved from the position in the initial status of FIGS. 98D and 98E to a reset position, as shown in FIGS. 98F and 98G, respectively. In the reset position, the plate 2204 has one edge portion (e.g., a portion 2204 c) contacting the substrate 2101 with the central portion being supported by the supporting member 2103.

In the reset operation, the electrodes 800 a and 800 d are applied with a voltage of X volts, for example, and the electrodes 800 c and 800 d and the conductive layer 802 are applied with a voltage of 0 volts, for example. With the application of these voltages, an electrostatic attraction force is generated between the plate 2204 and the electrodes 800 a–800 d and the conductive layer 802 in a direction indicated by white arrows indicated underneath the plate 2204, as shown in FIG. 98D and 98E. The white arrows of FIGS. 98D and 98E and those of FIGS. 98F–98K and FIG. 99 schematically indicate, by size, directions and magnitudes of the electrostatic attraction force acting between the plate 2204 and the electrodes 800 a–800 d, as the electrostatic attraction force varies depending upon a portion of the plate 2204.

Accordingly, the white arrows in FIG. 98F schematically indicate that magnitudes of the electrostatic attraction force acting between the plate 2204 and the electrodes 800 a–800 d are uneven, and therefore the plate 2204 is tilted to the reset position by the electrostatic attraction force. FIG. 98G shows this tilting movement from a 90-degree different angle which is the view taken on line LL—LL. In FIG. 98G, as the white arrows indicate, the electrostatic attraction force evenly acts between the plate 2204 and the electrodes 800 a–800 d, and therefore the movement of the plate 2204 is not seen in the view of FIG. 98G. That is, the view of FIG. 98F shows the tilt movement of the plate 2204 in the first axis direction and the view of FIG. 98G shows the tilt movement of the plate 2204 in the second axis direction. Thus, the angle of the plate 2204 is changed and the light reflecting angle is directed in a desired direction which is referred to as a reset direction. As the plate 2204 is moved in the reset direction, its edge portion (e.g., a portion 2204 d) contacts the substrate 2101. In this situation, the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f is said to be in a reset status.

The above-mentioned voltage of X volts is determined according to various factors including distances between the plate 2204 and each of the electrodes 800 a–800 d and capacitances of the plate 2204 and the electrodes 800 a–800 d, for example. This voltage of X volts required in the reset operation is slightly greater than a voltage Z required in a regular tilting operation for moving the plate 2204 held on the supporting member 2103.

FIGS. 98H and 98I are cross section views of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f taken on line JJ—JJ and LL—LL, respectively, of FIG. 98A, demonstrating a first operation of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f. When the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f staying in the reset position, as shown in FIGS. 98F and 98G, performs the first operation, the plate 2204 is tilted in an opposite direction and changes its position from the reset position of FIGS. 98F and 98G to a first position shown in FIGS. 98H and 98I. In the first position, the plate 2204 has an edge portion (e.g., a portion 2204 d) contacts the substrate 2101 with being held by the supporting member 2204. Thus, the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f can quickly change the direction of the light deflection with the first axis. In the first operation, the electrodes 800 a and 800 b are applied with a voltage of 0 volts, for example, and the electrodes 800 c and 800 d are applied with a voltage of X volts.

When the same bias voltages of either positive or negative are added to the voltages of the electrodes and the conductive layer (i.e., the plate 2204), it causes no voltage difference at any portion between the electrodes and the conductive layer. In this case, the plate 2204 does not change its position. That is, the electrostatic attraction force is generated not by the voltage itself but by the voltage difference existing between the electrodes and the conductive layer.

In this example, the voltages applied to the electrodes 800 a–800 d are changed, while maintaining the application of the voltage of 0 volts to the conductive layer 802. However, to merely switch the position of the plate 2204 from the reset position to the first position, it can simply be achieved by changing the application of the voltage to the conductive layer 802. That is, the application of the voltage to the conductive layer 802 is changed from 0 volts to X volts while maintaining the applications of the voltage of X volts to the electrodes 800 a and 800 b and of 0 volts to the electrodes 800 c and 800 d. In this way, the plate 2204 can be settled in the reset position by the application of a voltage of 0 volts and in the first position by the application of a voltage of X volts.

Thus, the plate 2204 receives a greater electrostatic attraction force in its one-half side when there is a voltage difference between the one-half side of the plate 2204 and the electrode or when a voltage difference between the one-half side of the plate 2204 and the electrode is greater than that between the other one-half of the plate 2204 and the electrode. As a consequence, the plate is moved in the direction attracted. That is, the tilt directions of the plate 2204 can be switched at a high speed by applying arbitrary voltages to the electrodes 800 a–800 d opposing to each other relative to the supporting member 2103 to equalize the voltage of the conductive layer 802 to the voltage of one of the electrodes 800 a–800 d.

FIGS. 98J and 98K are cross section views of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f taken on line JJ—JJ and LL—LL, respectively, of FIG. 98A, demonstrating a second operation of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f. When the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f settled in the reset status shown in FIGS. 98F and 98G performs the second operation, the plate 2204 is tilted, as shown in FIG. 98K, and changes its position from the reset position of FIGS. 98F and 98G to a second position shown in FIGS. 98J and 98K. In this case, the tilting movement of the plate 2204 shown in FIGS. 98J and 98K is made about the second axis taken on line JJ—JJ. In the second position, the plate 2204 has an edge portion (e.g., a portion 2204 e) contacts the substrate 2101. Thus, the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f changes the direction of the light deflection with the second axis. In the second operation, the electrodes 800 a, 800 c, and the conductive layer 802 are applied with a voltages of 0 volts, and the electrodes 800 b and 800 d are applied with a voltage of X volts.

In this way, the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f changes the direction of the light deflection with the first and second axes by the first and second operations applying the above-described voltages to the electrodes 800 a–800 d and the conductive layer 802. Therefore, the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f has four different light reflection directions.

With reference to FIG. 99, the principle of the electrostatic attraction is explained. FIG. 99 is a cross section view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f, for example, taken on line MM—MM of FIG. 98A. In FIG. 99, the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f is in the reset operation, with the applications of a positive voltage of X volts to the electrode 800 b and a voltage of 0 volts to 800 d. Initially, the plate 2204 is in an electrically floating status. When the electrode 800 b is applied with the positive voltage of X volts, it will have positive charges. Subsequently, negative charges appear in the dielectric layer 2201 of the plate 2204 facing the electrode 800 b in a dielectric manner via a space 901. At the same time, the negative charges in the dielectric layer 2201 are quickly dispersed in a conductive manner in the conductive layer 2202 of the plate 2. This can be expressed in such a way that the negative charges are efficiently generated in the dielectric layer 2201 by the conductive layer 2202. Thereby, an electrostatic attraction force is generated between the electrode 800 b and the corresponding portion of the plate 2204 and the plate 2204 is attracted to the electrode 800 b.

On the other hand, the generation of the negative charges in the plate 2204 subsequently cause a generation of positive charges in a dielectric manner in the dielectric layer 2201 of the plate 2204 facing the electrode 800 d via the space 901. The positive charges generated will schematically spread in the conductive layer 2202 of the plate 2204 in a conductive manner. Then, in response to the positive charges, negative charges schematically appear on the electrode 800 d. Therefore, an electrostatic attraction force is also generated between the electrode 800 d and the corresponding portion of the plate 2204.

In this way, the electrostatic attraction is generated between the plate 2204 and the electrodes 800 b and 800 d, for example.

The above-described steps in the generation of the electrostatic attraction actually proceed substantially in a simultaneous fashion in response to the voltage difference between the electrodes 800 b and 800 d.

In addition, the dielectric layer 2201 and the conductive layer 2202 of the plate 2204, which are electrically floating, have a certain voltage determined between the voltages of the electrodes 800 b and 800 d. Accordingly, the voltage difference between this certain voltage and the voltage of the electrode 800 b generates the electrostatic attraction and also the voltage difference between the certain voltage and the voltage of the electrode 800 d generates the electrostatic attraction. This certain voltage may vary mainly according to structural factors including areas of the space 901 and the electrodes 800 b and 800 d, for example. The thus-generated electrostatic attraction forces cause the plate 2204 to tilt towards the electrodes.

Referring to FIGS. 100A–100M, another light deflecting operation by the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f is explained. FIG. 100A is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f with indications of cross section lines. FIGS. 100B and 100C are cross-section views of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f taken on line JJ—JJ and line KK—KK, respectively, of FIG. 10A. FIGS. 100D—100M explain operations of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f.

In the following discussion, the views of FIGS. 100D, 100F, 100H, and 100J show the movements of the plate 2204 with a first axis taken on line LL—LL, and the views of FIGS. 100E, 10G, 100I, and 100K show the movements of the plate 2204 with a second axis taken on line JJ—JJ. In addition, the view of FIG. 100L shows the movement of the plate 2204 with a third axis taken on line PP—PP and the view of FIG. 100M shows the movement of the plate 2204 with a fourth axis taken on line KK—KK.

FIGS. 100D and 100E show the initial status of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f in a manner similar to FIGS. 98D and 98E. FIGS. 100F and 100G show the reset operation which is similar to that shown in FIGS. 98F and 98G, except for the voltages applied to the electrodes 800 a–800 d. The electrodes 800 a is applied with a voltage of Y volts. The electrodes 800 c and 800 d and the conductive layer 802 are applied with a voltage of Y/2 volts. The electrode 800 b is applied with a voltage of 0 volts. By the reset operation, the plate 2204 contacts the supporting member 2103 and is applied with a voltage of Y/2 volts from the conductive layer 802 of the supporting member 2103.

The electrodes 800 c and 800 d are applied with the same voltage as the plate 2204, and there is no electrostatic attraction force generated between the plate 2204 and the electrodes 800 c and 800 d. The voltage differences between the electrode 800 b and the plate 2204 and between the plate 2204 and the electrode 800 a are both Y/2 volts, and relatively strong electrostatic attraction forces are generated therebetween. Accordingly, the plate 2204 is tilted in the direction of the electrodes 800 a and 800 b. This status is referred to as the reset status.

The first operation for moving the plate 2204 with the first axis is shown in FIGS. 100H and 100I. In this operation, the electrode 800 c is applied with a voltage of Y/2 volts, the electrodes 800 a and 800 b and the conductive layer 802 are applied with a voltage of approximately Y/2 volts, and the electrode 800 d is applied with a voltage of 0 volts. Under such conditions, the plate 2204 is quickly tilted in the opposite direction relative to the reset direction and stops its movement when the portion 2204 d of the plate 2204 contacts the substrate 2101.

When the same bias voltages of either positive or negative are added to the voltages of the electrodes and the conductive layer, no change is caused in the movement of the plate. That is, the tilt direction of the plate 2204 can quickly be changed by applications of different voltages to adjacent two electrodes and intermediate voltages to the remaining two electrodes and the conductive layer 802. The voltage of Y volts is a predetermined voltage and is determined such that a voltage of Y/2 volts applied to the conductive layer 802 is slightly greater than a voltage of Z volts which is a lowest value to cause the plate 2204 to tilt to a different position.

The second operation for moving the plate 2204 with the second axis is shown in FIGS. 100J and 100K. In this operation, the electrode 800 b is applied with a voltage of Y volts, the electrodes 800 a and 800 c and the conductive layer 802 are applied with a voltage of approximately Y/2 volts, and the electrode 800 d is applied with a voltage of 0 volts. Under such conditions, the plate 2204 is quickly tilted with a different axis and stops its movement when the portion 2204 e of the plate 2204 contacts the substrate 2101. Therefore, the plate 2204 can be tilted with different two axes by the first and second operations.

As for the action of the electrostatic attraction force, the case of the above-described first operation, shown in FIGS. 100H and 100I, is explained. When the conductive layer 802 is applied with a voltage of approximately Y/2 volts, the plate 2204 will have a voltage of approximately Y/2 volts. Accordingly, the portions of the plate 2204 facing the electrodes 800 a and 800 b have substantially the same voltages as the electrodes 800 a and 800 b and therefore no electrostatic attraction force is generated. However, the portions of the plate 2204 facing the electrodes 800 c and 800 d have a voltage difference of approximately Y/2 volts and therefore electrostatic attraction forces are caused in response to the voltage difference of approximately Y/2 volts. With such forces, the plate 2204 is moved to the other position with the first axis.

In the second operation, shown in FIGS. 100J and 100K, the electrostatic attraction forces are generated in a manner similar to the above-described first operation and, as a result, the plate 2204 is moved to the other position with the second axis. In this example, the electrodes applied with the largest voltage and the smallest voltage are needed to be in the same side relative to the line of the movement axis for the plate 2204 passing through the top portion of the plate 2204. In the case of four electrodes, adjacent two electrodes are needed to have the largest and smallest voltages.

One of remarkable advantages of the light deflecting apparatus according to the present invention is explained below with reference to FIG. 100H. In FIG. 100H, the electrodes 800 c and 800 d are applied with voltages of Y volts and 0 volts, respectively. Therefore, even if the plate 2204 is disengaged from the supporting member 2103 and becomes in an electrically-floating status during the tilting movement, the electrostatic attraction force is generated to act on the plate 2204 facing the electrodes 800 c and 800 d, as described in the explanation made with reference to FIG. 99. Accordingly, the plate 2204 is changed to a desired position to perform the light reflection in a desired direction. That is, one of the advantages of the light deflecting apparatus according to the present invention is that the light deflecting apparatus can stably perform the light deflection. This advantage will be effective particularly when the light deflecting apparatus is used in an upside down orientation, in which the plate 2204 is usually disengaged from the supporting member 2103 when no voltage is applied to the light deflecting apparatus.

The light deflecting apparatus 2100 f performs a third operation to change the axis of light deflection. The third operation is explained with reference to FIGS. 100L and 100M. In the third operation, the electrode 800 a is applied with a voltage of X volts. The electrodes 800 b and 800 c are applied with a voltage of X/2 volts. The electrode 800 d and the conductive layer 802 are applied with a voltage of 0 volts. The value X is the one used in the description made with reference to FIGS. 98A–98K.

A strong electrostatic attraction force is generated between a portion of the plate 2204 and the electrode 800 a, and acts on such portion of the plate 2204. A weak electrostatic attraction force is generated between another portion of the plate 2204 and the electrodes 800 b and 800 c, and acts on such another portion of the plate 2204. No electrostatic attraction force is generated between further another portion of the plate 2204 and the electrode 800 d, and therefore acts on such further another portion of the plate 2204. As a consequence, the plate 2204 is tilted in a direction towards the electrode 800 a, as shown in FIG. 100M. The plate 2204 ultimately contacts the substrate 2101 by an edge portion 2204 f of the plate 2204 which is on an edge of a diagonal line of the plate 2204. Thus, the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f performs the light deflection with the third axis taken on line KK—KK. Likewise, the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f can perform the light deflection with the forth axis taken on line PP—PP by arbitrarily changing the applications of voltages to the electrodes 800 a–800 d and the conductive layer 802. With the third and fourth axes, it is possible for the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f to use four different tilt positions.

Thus, the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f can perform the light deflection with eight different tilt positions with arbitrarily applications of voltages to the electrodes 800 a–800 d and the conductive layer 802. As described above, the voltage of X/2 volts applied to the electrodes 800 b and 800 c generates a weak electrostatic attraction force with the voltage of 0 volts applied to the plate 2204. Therefore, the plate 2204 may bend when it has a relatively small stiffness. To avoid this problem, it is preferable to apply a smaller voltage or a voltage of 0 volts, the same voltage as applied to the conductive layer 802, to the electrodes 800 b and 800 c, or to apply no voltage to the electrodes 800 b and 800 c to make them in an electrically floating status. When the electrodes 800 b and 800 c are applied with the voltage of X/2 volts or are made in an electrically floating status, the tilt position of the plate 2204 can easily be changed in an opposite direction towards the electrode 800 d simply by changing the voltage applied to the conductive layer 802 from 0 volts to X volts.

It should be understood from the above-described various examples that the basic principle to tilt the normal to the light reflecting surface of the plate 2204 to a specific side is to apply a voltage to an electrode in the specific side such that a difference in voltage between the electrode in the specific side and the plate 2204 becomes maximum. The plate 2204 can be tilted towards a side by an application of a voltage between the plate 2204 and adjacent two electrodes and towards an edge on a diagonal line by an application of a voltage between the plate 2204 and one electrode.

Referring to FIG. 101, a light deflecting apparatus 2100 g according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 101 shows the light deflecting apparatus 2100 g modified on a basis of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 b of FIG. 93A. The substrate 2101, the supporting member 2103, and the plate 2104 are modified to a substrate 2101 g, a supporting member 2103 g, and a plate 2104 g, which are in a circular form. Accordingly, the angle brackets 2102 are modified to angle brackets 2102 g and the electrodes 2301 are modified to eight electrodes 800 a–800 h, for example.

In the light deflecting apparatus 2100 g, the electrode 800 a is applied with a voltage of X volts, the electrode 800 e is applied with a voltage of 0 volts, and other electrodes are remained in an electrically floating status, for example. Then, the conductive layer 802 of the supporting member 2103 g is applied with a voltage of 0 volts. Consequently, the plate 2104 g is tilted to the electrode 800 a due to a large voltage difference between the plate 2104 g and the electrode 800 a. If the conductive layer 802 is alternatively applied with a voltage of X volts, the plate 2104 g is tilted in an opposite direction towards the electrode 800 e. In this way, the plate 2104 g can be tilted in every direction where an electrode presents by applications of voltage combinations relative to the electrodes and the conductive layer of the supporting member. Accordingly, the direction of the light reflection can selectively be determined among from eight directions.

In this embodiment, the supporting member 2103 g having a conical shape may have another shape such as an octagonal pyramid, for example, so that the octagonal shape of the supporting member corresponds to the shapes of the electrodes 800 a–800 h. With this structure, the plate 2104 g can stay in each of the eight tilt positions in a more stable manner.

When the number of the electrodes is six or more, the electrodes applied with the largest and smallest voltages are unnecessarily adjacent and allow a presence of one or more other electrodes therebetween. An electrode can be inserted between the electrodes with the largest and smallest voltages in a case of six electrodes. However, in a case of eight electrodes, up to two electrodes can be inserted between the electrodes with the largest and smallest voltages. When one or more different electrodes are inserted between the electrodes with the largest and smallest voltages, the plate is tilted in a direction towards a region between the two electrodes with the largest and smallest voltages due to the relationship of the electrostatic attraction forces. When the number of the electrodes inserted between the electrodes with the largest and smallest voltages is odd, such as one or three, the plate stably stays on the electrode inserted between the electrodes with the largest and smallest voltages. It is therefore preferable to apply no voltage to the inserted electrode and to make it in an electrically floating status so as to prevent a short circuit or a discharge between the larges and smallest voltages.

Next, a light deflecting array apparatus 1200 is explained with reference to FIGS. 102A and 102B. FIG. 102A is a plane view of the light deflecting array apparatus 1200, and FIG. 102B is a cross-section view of the light deflecting array apparatus 1200 taken on line QQ—QQ of FIG. 102A. The light deflecting array apparatus 1200 includes three pieces of the light deflecting apparatuses 2100 f of FIG. 98A, for example, which are arranged in a one-dimension direction. The light deflecting array apparatus 1200 may include a number of the light deflecting apparatuses 2100 f larger than three, and the light deflecting apparatuses 2100 f can be arranged in two-dimension directions. With the light deflecting apparatus 1200 having a large number of integrated light deflecting apparatuses 2100 f, for example, it becomes possible to control a high precision light deflection by driving them simultaneously and independently. Each of the integrated light deflecting apparatuses 2100 f may be referred to as an element.

In the light deflecting array apparatus 1200, a space around the plate 2204 in each of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f is in a near vacuum. Such near vacuum in the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f can be produced by conducting a vacuum sealing when the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f is packaged.

In FIG. 102B, a manner in that the plates 2204 of the light deflecting array apparatus 1200 are surrounded in the atmosphere is schematically expressed. In a first element arranged in the leftmost position, the plate 2204 is tilted and the air under the plate 2204 is pressed. This pressed air produces a buoyant force which acts on the plate 2204 of a second element arranged in the middle position. The movement of the plate 2204 which is moving in a direction indicated by a white arrow is disturbed by the buoyant force produced by the first element. This problem is avoided by making the space around the plate 2204 in the near vacuum.

When the plate 2204 is tilted at a high speed, the atmospheric air generally becomes a viscous drag which produces a slight delay in response. In a single device of the light deflecting array apparatus 1200, this viscous drag can be reduced by a package for covering the entire apparatus to keep dust out.

In addition, the near vacuum of space around the plate 2204 may be filled with an inert gas such as a nitrogen gas, an argon gas, a helium gas, a neon gas, and so forth. Amongst, the nitrogen gas is relatively inexpensive and safe and is therefore preferable. An inert gas can be enclosed in the space around the plate 2204 by conducting the packaging of the light deflecting array apparatus 1200 in the same inert gas. With the inert gas enclosed in the space around the plate 2204, the moisture content in the space is reduced so that the contacting portion of the plate 2204 is prevented from fixing to the substrate 2101. However, if there is a concern that the enclosed gas produces a viscous drag in response to the movement of the plate 2204, the pressure of the gas is preferably reduced before being enclosed.

Next, an image projection display apparatus 1300 using the light deflecting array apparatus 1200 is explained with reference to FIG. 103. FIG. 103 shows the image projection display apparatus 1300 which projects an image by deflecting light of an image with the light deflecting array apparatus 1200. The image projection display apparatus 1300 includes a light switching mechanism 1301 and a projection screen 1310. The light switching mechanism 1301 includes the light deflecting array apparatus 1200, a light source 1302, a projection lens 1303, an aperture 1304, a rotary color hole 1305, and a micro-lens array 1306.

In the light switching mechanism 1301, the light source 102 emits light W3 which travels, through the rotary color hole 1305 for a color display and the micro-lens array 1306 for a high precision, to the light deflecting array apparatus 1200. The light W3 is reflected by the plates 2204 of the elements of the light deflecting array apparatus 1200. The plates 2204 are independently driven in accordance with input image data. That is, each of the plates 2204 changes its position according to the input image data and, as a result, the reflection angle relative to the input light W3 is changed according to the input image data. Therefore, the reflection of the light W3 is controlled according to the input image data by the light deflecting array apparatus 1200. The light W3 reflected by the light deflecting array apparatus 1200 travels through the projection lens 1303 and the aperture 1304 to the screen 1310 to form an image. Thus, the image projection display apparatus 1300 including the light deflecting array apparatus 1200 effectively projects a desired image on the screen.

In the image projection display apparatus 1300, the light deflecting array apparatus 1200 is arranged at a position such that the normal to each of the light reflecting surfaces of the plates 2204 is in a direction substantially equal to a direction of gravity when the plates 2204 are in their initial status. With this arrangement, the gravity acts on the plate 2204 in contact with the supporting member 2103 and evenly acts on the plate 2204 without deviation even when the plate 2204 is tilted in any direction. Therefore, the plate 2204 can stably be tilted for a usage over an extended period of time. Since the plate 2204 in this embodiment has no edge fixed to the substrate 2101, the above-described effect by gravity is generated to a great extent. FIG. 103 merely indicates a general structure of the image projection display apparatus and, therefore, there is no indication in FIG. 103 for a direction of the plate 2204 in the initial status. When the arrangement of the plate 2204 in the initial status relative to the gravity is applied, mirrors may effectively be used intermediately on an as needed basis.

Next, an image forming apparatus 1400 using the light deflecting array apparatus 1200 is explained with reference to FIG. 104. FIG. 104 shows the image forming apparatus 1400 which forms an image by optically writing image data with an electrophotographic method using the light deflecting array apparatus 1200. The image forming apparatus 1400 includes an image carrying mechanism 1401, a latent image forming mechanism 1402, a development mechanism 1403, a transfer mechanism 1404, a charging mechanism 1405, a fixing mechanism 1406, a sheet ejecting tray 1407, and a cleaning mechanism 1408. The latent image forming mechanism 1402 includes the light deflecting array apparatus 1200, a light source 1402 a, a first lens system 1402 b, and a second lens system 1402 c.

The image carrying mechanism 1401 includes a drum-shaped photosensitive surface and is rotated in a direction C9. The image carrying mechanism 1401 is evenly charged by the charging mechanism 1405. The latent image forming mechanism 1402 forms a latent image on the photosensitive surface of the image carrying mechanism 1401. At this time, the elements of the light deflecting array apparatus 1200 are switched in accordance with the input image data so as to form the latent image. The development mechanism 1403 develops with toner the latent image formed on the photosensitive surface of the image carrying mechanism 1401. The transfer mechanism 1404 transfers the toner image onto a recording sheet V. The fixing mechanism 1406 fixes the toner image to the recording sheet V with heat and pressure. The recording sheet V is ejected to the sheet ejecting tray 1407. The cleaning mechanism 1408 cleans off the photosensitive surface of the image carrying mechanism 1401.

In the latent image forming mechanism 1402, light W4 emitted from the light source 1402 a travels through the first lens system 1403 to the light deflecting array apparatus 1200. The elements of the light deflecting array apparatus 1200 are independently and simultaneously driven in accordance with input image data. That is, every reflection angles relative to the input light W4 are changed according to the input image data. Therefore, the reflection of the light W4 towards the photosensitive surface of the image carrying member 1401 is controlled according to the input image data by the light deflecting array apparatus 1200. The light W4 reflected by the light deflecting array apparatus 1200 travels through the second lens system 1404 to the photosensitive surface to form a latent image. Thus, the image forming apparatus 1400 including the light deflecting array apparatus 1200 effectively forms an image according to the input image data.

Next, an optical data transmission apparatus 1500 using the light deflecting array apparatus 1200 is explained with reference to FIG. 105A. FIG. 105A shows the optical data transmission apparatus 1500 for transmitting an optical data signal. The optical data transmission apparatus 1500 includes an optical data input mechanism 1502, a first optical deflecting array 1503, a first control mechanism 1504, a second optical deflecting array 1505, a second control mechanism 1506, an optical data output mechanism 1507, and a plurality of signal transmission ports 1508.

An optical data signal is transmitted to the optical data transmission apparatus 1500 from the optical data input mechanism 1502 which includes a plurality of signal transmission ports 1508. In the optical data transmission apparatus 1500, the optical data signal is deflected in two-dimension directions by the first and second optical deflecting arrays 1503 and 1505 and is output from the selected output ports of the optical data output mechanism 1507 which includes a plurality of signal transmission ports 1508. In this embodiment, the two stages of the first and second optical deflecting arrays 1503 and 1505 are preferably provided to achieve a relatively wide deflecting angle. However, a single optical deflecting array may also be suitable depending upon a number of the selected ports. The elements included in the optical deflecting arrays 1503 and 1505 are driven by the control mechanisms 1504 and 1506, respectively, in an independent and simultaneous manner.

Although the optical data input mechanism and the optical data output mechanism are separated in the above discussion for the convenience sake, it should be noted that input and output mechanisms in the optical data transmission are generally in common since optical data is bi-directionally transmittable.

FIG. 105B shows an optical data transmission apparatus 1510 using a single unit of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f, for example. The optical data transmission apparatus 1510 includes an input/output port 1511, the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f, and a signal input/output mechanism 1513. The signal input/output mechanism includes four input/output ports 1514, for example. Since the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f can select four light deflection directions, as described above, it is possible to provide a single input/output port at one end and four input/output ports at the other end. In FIG. 105B, a light path shown with a solid line indicates a case when the input/output port 1514 is selected by the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f, and a light path shown with a dotted-line indicates a case when the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f switches to another input/output port.

Reference numeral 1512 denotes a mirror which reflects the light from the input/output port 1511 to the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f. As an alternative to this, it is possible to eliminate the mirror 1512 and to arrange the input/output port 1511 at the center of the signal input/output mechanism 1513, by which the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to integrate plural sets of the above-described input/output ports into a single unit.

Referring to FIGS. 106A–106H, an exemplary method of making a light deflecting apparatus is explained. In this discussion, a light deflecting apparatus to be made is an apparatus similar to the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f of FIG. 98A, as an example. Each of the views shown in FIGS. 106A–106H is a cross section view taken on line KK-KK of FIG. 98A. In this method, a plurality of sections are formed on a silicon substrate. The plurality of sections are arranged in either a one-dimension direction or two-dimension directions. To make a plurality of single units of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f, it is preferable to provide a margin for separation between the sections. However, the sections are needed to be formed as close as possible to make an array of the light deflecting apparatuses 2100 f.

A first process (see FIG. 106A) provides a silicon oxide film 1601, which forms the dielectric layer 801 of the supporting member 2103, on the silicon substrate 2101 with the plasma CVD method. Then, a photography using a photomask having a pattern with an area coverage modulation or a photography which thermally deforms a resist pattern is used to form a resist pattern having an approximate shape and a thickness of the supporting member 2103. After that, the formed resist pattern is deformed to an exact shape of the dielectric layer 801 with the dry etching method.

A subsequent process (see FIG. 106B) provides the electrodes 800 b, 800 d, and the conductive layer 801 made of a titanium nitride thin film. The electrodes 800 a and 800 c which are not shown in FIG. 106B are also formed at the same time in this process. In this process, the titanium nitride thin film is formed with the DC magnetron sputtering process with a target of titanium, and is patterned into the electrodes 800 a–800 d using the photography and the dry etching method.

The next process (see FIG. 106C) forms a noncrystalline silicon film with the sputtering method, and the noncrystalline silicon film is smoothed through the process time control using the CMP technology. The remaining noncrystalline silicon film is referred to as a first sacrifice layer 1602. As an alternative to the noncrystalline silicon film, the first sacrifice layer 1602 may be made of a polyimide film or a photosensitive organic film (i.e., a resist film generally used in a semiconductor process), or a polycrystalline silicon film. The smoothing method may be the reflow method with the thermal processing or the etch back method with the dry etching.

The next process (see FIG. 106D) forms a silicon nitride layer as the dielectric layer 2201 of the plate 2204 with the plasma CVD method. Then, the silicon nitride layer is patterned into the opening 2203 and the dielectric layer 2201 using the photography and the dry etching method. Subsequently, an aluminum metal film constituting the light reflecting region combined with the conductive layer 2202 is formed with the sputtering method. After that, the aluminum metal film is patterned with the photography and the dry etching method.

The next process (see FIG. 106E) forms a noncrystalline silicon film with the sputtering method. This noncrystalline silicon film is referred to as a second sacrifice layer 1603. As an alternative to the noncrystalline silicon film, the second sacrifice layer 1603 may be made of a polyimide film or a photosensitive organic film (i.e., a resist film generally used in a semiconductor process), or a polycrystalline silicon film. The second sacrifice layer 1603 is preferably made of the same material as the first sacrifice layer 1602.

The subsequent process (see FIG. 106F) divides each light deflecting apparatus with patterns of the first and second sacrifice layers 1602 and 1603 together using the photography and the dry etching method. At this time, the pattern areas of the first and second sacrifice layers 1602 and 1603 are slightly larger than the area of the plate 2204. This process prepares for the next process for providing the angle brackets 2102 c.

The next process (see FIG. 106G) forms a silicon oxide film constituting the angle brackets 2102 c with the plasma CVD method. Then, the silicon oxide film is patterned to make the angle brackets 2102 c with the photography and the dry etching method.

The next process (see FIG. 106H) removes the remaining first and second sacrifice layers 1602 and 1603 through an opening with a wet etching method using a TMAH (tetra-methyl-ammonium-hydroxide) liquid so that the plate 2204 is supported by the supporting member 2103 for a free movement within the predetermined space. Thus, the procedure for making the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f shown in FIG. 98A is completed.

Referring to FIGS. 107A–107I, another exemplary method of making a light deflecting apparatus is explained. In this discussion, a light deflecting apparatus to be made is an apparatus similar to the light deflecting apparatus 2100 e of FIG. 97A, as an example. Each of the views shown in FIGS. 107A–107I is a cross section view taken on line II—II of FIG. 97A. This method is a part of the manufacturing procedure for manufacturing the light deflecting apparatus 2100 e, including at least processes of forming a dielectric thin film on a plurality of electrodes and patterning the dielectric thin film to form projections.

A first process (see FIG. 107A) provides a silicon oxide film, which forms the supporting member 601, on the silicon substrate 2101 with the plasma CVD method. Then, a photography using a photomask having a pattern with an area coverage modulation or a photography which thermally deforms a resist pattern is used to form a resist pattern having an approximate shape and a thickness of the supporting member 601. After that, the formed resist pattern is deformed to an exact shape of the supporting member 601 with the dry etching method.

The next process (see FIG. 107B) forms the electrodes 2301 and the conductive top portion 602 made of a titanium nitride thin film. In this process, the titanium nitride thin film is formed with the DC magnetron sputtering process with a target of titanium, and is patterned into the electrodes 2301 using the photography and the dry etching method.

The next process (see FIG. 107C) forms a silicon nitride film serving as the insulating film 603 for protecting a short circuit between the plate 2104 and the electrodes 2301 with the plasma CVD method. After that, the silicon nitride film is patterned into the projections 701 in a desired shape at predetermined positions using the photography and the dry etching method. At this time, an opening is provided near the conductive top portion 602 for applying a voltage to the plate 2104.

The next process (see FIG. 108D) forms a noncrystalline silicon film with the sputtering method, and the noncrystalline silicon film is smoothed through the process time control using the CMP technology. The remaining noncrystalline silicon film is referred to as a first sacrifice layer 1702. As an alternative to the noncrystalline silicon film, the first sacrifice layer 1702 may be made of a polyimide film or a photosensitive organic film (i.e., a resist film generally used in a semiconductor process), or a polycrystalline silicon film. The smoothing method may be the reflow method with the thermal processing or the etch back method with the dry etching.

The next process (see FIG. 107E) forms the plate 2104 made of an aluminum metal film having conductivity to combine with the light reflecting region with the sputtering method. After that, the aluminum metal film is patterned with the photography and the dry etching method.

The next process (see FIG. 107F) forms a noncrystalline silicon film with the sputtering method. This noncrystalline silicon film is referred to as a second sacrifice layer 1703. As an alternative to the noncrystalline silicon film, the second sacrifice layer 1703 may be made of a polyimide film or a photosensitive organic film (i.e., a resist film generally used in a semiconductor process), or a polycrystalline silicon film. The second sacrifice layer 1703 is preferably made of the same material as the first sacrifice layer 1702.

The subsequent process (see FIG. 107G) divides each light deflecting apparatus with patterns of the first and second sacrifice layers 1702 and 1703 together using the photography and the dry etching method. At this time, the pattern areas of the first and second sacrifice layers 1702 and 1703 are slightly larger than the area of the plate 2104. This process prepares for the next process for providing the angle brackets 2102 c.

The next process (see FIG. 107H) forms a silicon oxide film constituting angle brackets 2102 c with the plasma CVD method. Then, the silicon oxide film is patterned to make the angle brackets 2102 c with the photography and the dry etching method.

The next process (see FIG. 107I) removes the remaining first and second sacrifice layers 1702 and 1703 through an opening with a wet etching method using a TMAH (tetra-methyl-ammonium-hydroxide) liquid so that the plate 2104 is supported by the supporting member 601 for a free movement within the predetermined space. Thus, the procedure for making the light deflecting apparatus 2100 e shown in FIG. 97A is completed.

Referring to FIGS. 108A–108D and 109A–109C, various shapes of the supporting member is explained. FIG. 108A shows the supporting member 2103 in a basic conical shape having a top portion 2013 a which may be needed to be strengthen to support the plate 2104 which is acted by the electrostatic attraction force. To provide a high mechanical strength to the top portion 2103 a, the top portion 2013 a may be rounded, as shown in FIG. 108B. FIG. 108C shows a preferable shape of the supporting member 2103 which combines a frustum of a cone and a circular cylinder and provides a wider apex angle to the top portion 2013 a in comparison with the supporting members 2103 having the conical shape with the same height. The top portion 2103 a of FIG. 108C may also be rounded, as shown in FIG. 108D.

It is also possible to provide a flat apex to the top portion 2103 a, as shown in FIGS. 109A–109C. With these flat apexes, a concern of a stress concentration is eliminated. A shape combining a frustum of a cone and a circular cylinder, as shown in FIG. 109B, is also preferable. When the area of the top portion 2013 a is relatively small, the circular cylinder, as shown in FIG. 109C, may also be used.

Referring to FIGS. 110A and 110B, a light deflecting apparatus 2100 h according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 110A is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 h, and FIG. 110B is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 h taken on line QQ—QQ of FIG. 110A. The light deflecting apparatus 2100 h of FIG. 110A is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 e of FIG. 97A, that is, the projections 701 are modified to projections 2005. The projections 2005 have a strip shape different from the projections 701, although they can be formed by a method similar to that used for the projections 701 and have a function similar to that of the projections 701.

The projections 2005 are made of an insulation film and are placed on the four electrodes 2301 in a form of a plurality of strip shapes. A width and a length of each strip and a pitch of the strips are arbitrarily determined according to a relationship between the electrostatic attraction force and the stiffness of the plate 2104 within a limit that the plate 2104 does not touch the electrodes 2301 when being elastically deformed. The roof-like-shaped slopes of the supporting member 601 may be in a polygonal shape similar to that shown in FIG. 101.

Since the size of the projections 2005 is near a limit of resolution in preparation of a photomask for forming the shape of the projections 2005, the projections 701 only in the circular shape, as shown in FIG. 97A, may be produced with a degraded machining accuracy. The strop-shaped projections, as shown in FIG. 110A, have a larger area and increase the machining accuracy.

Referring to FIGS. 111A and 111B, a light deflecting apparatus 2100 i according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 111A is a plane view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 i, and FIG. 111B is a cross-section view of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 i taken on line RR—RR of FIG. 111A. The light deflecting apparatus 2100 i of FIG. 111A is an apparatus modified on the basis of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 h of FIG. 110A, that is, the projections 2005 are modified to projections 2105. The projections 2105 are formed in a method partly different from the method used for the projections 701 but are similar to the projections 2005 in other aspects. The projections 2105 are not placed on the electrodes 2301 but are projected between the electrodes.

The projections 2105 are formed with a predetermined pattern when the supporting member 601 is formed and before the four electrodes 2301 are formed. When the supporting member 601 is made of an insulating material, it is sufficient to pattern the surface of the supporting member 601 itself. However, when the supporting member 601 is made of a conductive material, the insulative projections 2105 are formed with a predetermined pattern after an insulating film is formed on the surface of the supporting member 601. The electrodes 2301 are formed in flat surfaces provided around the projections 2105. In addition, it is needed to form a conductive member 602 on the top portion of the supporting member 601 for applying a voltage to the plate 2104. This conductive member 602 can be formed together when the electrodes 2301 are formed. The reason of forming the electrodes 2301 out of the projections 2105 is that, when the electrodes are arranged under the projections, electrostatic charges are generated on the projection surfaces due to polarization and attract the plate 2104. When such attraction of the plate 2104 by the electrostatic charges is greater, a fixing phenomenon may occur in which the plate 2104 is kept attracted to the projections even after the voltages applied to the electrodes are out.

Referring to FIG. 112, a light deflecting array apparatus 1200 a is explained. As shown in FIG. 112, the light deflecting array apparatus 1200 a includes a plurality of the light deflecting apparatuses 2100 g of FIG. 101 arranged in a closest-packed structure and in a two-dimension array form. For this arrangement, the angle brackets are modified. The view shows only a minimum portion of the array structure but an actual array will have an extended structure in two-dimension directions.

In FIG. 112, reference numeral 2102 h denotes joint angle brackets which have functions of stopping the plate 2104 as the angle brackets and jointing two light deflecting apparatuses. Each of the joint angle brackets 2102 h is shared by two light deflecting apparatuses 2100 g. In general, when equal-sized small circles are arranged in a smallest-packed structure, as shown in FIG. 112, each circle is surrounded in contact by six circles making contact in a regular manner between adjacent two among the six circles. Accordingly, six joint angle brackets 2102 h are needed to joint the light deflecting apparatus 2100 g at the center to the six surrounding light deflecting apparatus 2100 g. In integration of a plurality of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 g to make the light deflecting array apparatus 1200 a, for example, it is possible to form the substrate 2101 g and the joint angle brackets 2102 h in one piece.

To make a one-direction light deflecting array apparatus (not shown) using the light deflecting apparatuses 2100 g, it may also be possible to integrate the substrate 2101 and the joint angle brackets 2102 h in one piece. In this case, the number of the joint angle brackets 2102 h may be four, as shown in FIG. 101.

In addition, when the plurality of the light deflecting apparatuses 2100 g are arranged in a square matrix form, not in a closest-packed structure, the number of the joint angle brackets 2102 h may suitably be four.

Referring to FIGS. 113A, 113B and 114, the angle brackets 2102 in modified shapes are explained. FIG. 113A shows an edge angle bracket 3102 having an angled top portion 3102 a, a vertical portion 3102 b, and an extended base portion 3102 c. The angled top portion 3102 a and the extended base portion 3102 c are projected in opposite directions relative to the vertical portion 3102 b. This edge angle bracket 3102 is used in the light deflecting apparatuses such as those shown in FIGS. 91 and 101, for example, in which the angle brackets are arranged at each side or circumferential edge, not at the corners. As understood from a view of FIG. 114, the space reserved for the tilt movement of the plate 2104 is limited to a space smaller than the substrate 2101 by the presence of the extended base 3102 c. This is a result of increasing the mechanical strength of the angle brackets, since the angle brackets are prone to be broken even by a relatively small stress if they are joined to the substrate 2101 with too small areas.

FIG. 113B shows a corner angle bracket 4102 having an angled top portion 4102 a, a vertical portion 4102 b, and an extended base portion 4102 c. This corner angle bracket 4102 is used in the light deflecting apparatuses such as those shown in FIG. 94, for example, in which the angle brackets are arranged at each corner of the substrate 2101. A way for using such corner angle bracket 4102 and its effect are more or less similar to those of the edge angle bracket 3102.

Referring to FIGS. 115A, 115B, 116, and 117, the joint angle brackets 2102 h in different shapes are explained. FIG. 115A shows an U-like-shaped joint angle bracket 5102 which is an angle bracket shared by two light deflecting apparatuses in a way as shown in FIG. 112. The U-like-shaped joint angle bracket 5102 has a shape such that two edge angle brackets 3102 are connected. More specifically, a flat-formed base 5102 c is equally placed on a connecting line K of connected two substrates 2101, disposing vertical portions 5102 b on edges of the flat-formed base 5102 c facing each other and stopper portions 5102 a on the vertical portions 5102 b to project in directions respectively opposite to the connecting line K.

FIG. 116 shows a manner in which the U-like-shaped joint angle bracket 5102 is used.

FIG. 115B shows a T-like-shaped joint angle bracket 6102 which is made by connecting two angle brackets 2102 shown in FIG. 91. The T-like-shaped joint angle bracket 6102 has a flat top portion 6102 a and a vertical portion 6102 b. The width of the vertical portion 6102 b is at least twice of the width of the vertical portion 5102 b so that the vertical portion 6102 b is directly connected to the substrate 2101 with a sufficiently large area to have a relatively high mechanical strength.

Referring to FIGS. 118–127, an exemplary method of making a light deflecting apparatus is explained. In this discussion, a light deflecting apparatus to be made is referred to as a light deflecting apparatus 2100 j. The light deflecting apparatus 2100 j is similar to the light deflecting apparatus 2100 f of FIG. 98A, except for the relatively small convex portion 2204 a provided to the central position of the plate 2204 in contact with the supporting member 2103. With this convex portion 2204 a, the plate 2204 stably tilts with a self-centering effect.

A first process (see FIG. 118) provides the supporting member 2103. A silicon oxide film constituting the supporting member 2103 is formed on the silicon substrate 2101 with the plasma CVD method. Then, the photography using a photomask having a pattern with an area coverage modulation or the photography which thermally deforms a resist pattern is used to form a resist pattern having an approximate shape and a thickness of the supporting member 2103. After that, the formed resist pattern is deformed to an exact shape of the supporting member 2103 with the dry etching method.

In the above process, the silicon oxide film having a thickness of approximately 2 μm may be formed, and the works for forming the supporting member 2103 may be performed in an upper layer of approximately 1 μm.

The height of the top of the supporting member 2103 is approximately 1 μm.

The next process (see FIG. 119) provides the electrodes 2301. In this process, the electrodes 2301 are made of a titanium nitride (TiN) film. A titanium nitride film is formed to have a thickness of 0.01 μm with the DC magnetron sputtering process and is patterned into the electrodes 2301 with the photography and the dry etching method.

The next process (see FIG. 120) provides a protection layer 2301 a on the electrode 2301. The protection layer 2301 a is made of a silicon nitride film having a thickness of 0.2 μm with the plasma CVD method.

The next process (see FIG. 121) provides a first sacrifice layer 2802. A noncrystalline silicon film having a thickness of 2 μm is formed on the protection layer 2301 a with the sputtering method, and the noncrystalline silicon film is smoothed through a process time control using the CMP. In this example, the process time control is conducted with reference to a time period in that the thickness of the noncrystalline silicon film on the top of the supporting member 2103 is completely removed and the supporting member 2103 is exposed outside. In addition, the CMP is set to conditions in that the supporting member 2103 and the protection layer 2301 a are more polished so that, around the top portion of the supporting member 2103, a supporting point 2013 a of the supporting member 2103 remains and the noncrystalline silicon film thinly remains. The supporting point of the supporting member 2103 is projected by approximately 0.2 μm. The noncrystalline silicon film remaining on the protection layer 2301 a is referred to as the first sacrifice layer 2802.

As an alternative to the noncrystalline silicon film, the first sacrifice layer 2802 may be made of a polyimide film or a photosensitive organic film, or a resist film or a polycrystalline silicon film which are generally used in a semiconductor process. The smoothing method may be the etch back method with the dry etching.

The next process (see FIG. 122) provides a second sacrifice layer 2803. A noncrystalline silicon film of a 0.1-μm thick is formed on the first sacrifice layer 2802 to cover the top portion of the supporting member 2103 with the sputtering method.

The next process (see FIG. 123) provides the dielectric and conductive layers 2201 and 2202, respectively. A 0.2-μm-thick silicon nitride film constituting the dielectric layer 2201 is formed on the first sacrifice layer 2802 with the plasma CVD method and subsequently a 0.05-μm-thick aluminum metal film is formed on the silicon nitride layer with the sputtering method. After that, the aluminum metal film and the silicon nitride layer are patterned with the photography and the dry etching method, respectively. The dielectric layer 2201 is formed in a shape slightly smaller than the substrate 2101 to leave a sufficient space to form the angle brackets 2102 c in the later process. Further, the conductive layer 2202 is formed in a shape slightly smaller than the dielectric layer 2201 so as to be placed on the dielectric layer 2201.

The next process (see FIG. 124) provides a third sacrifice layer 2804. A 1-μm-thick noncrystalline silicon film is formed with the sputtering method. This noncrystalline silicon film is referred to as a second sacrifice layer 2804. The third sacrifice layer 2804 may made of a polyimide film or a photosensitive organic film, or a resist film or polycrystalline silicon film which are generally used in a semiconductor process.

The next process (see FIG. 125) provides a space for forming the angle brackets 2102 c. The first, second, and third sacrifice layers 2802, 2803, and 2804 are patterned together at the same time using the photography and the dry etching method. As a result of this patterning, a portion around the circumference of the substrate 2101 is removed and a space for the angle brackets 2102 c is formed. At this time, the areas of the remaining first, second, and third sacrifice layers 2802, 2803, and 2804 are slightly larger than the area of dielectric layer 2201 so that the dielectric layer 2201 is not exposed.

The next process (see FIG. 126) provides the angle brackets 2102 c. A 0.8-μm-thick silicon oxide film is formed with the plasma CVD method and is patterned with the photography and the dry etching method, thereby making the angle brackets 2102 c. The shape of the angle bracket is not limited to that of the angle bracket 2102 c but may be those shown in FIGS. 113A, 113B, 115A, and 115B.

The final process (see FIG. 127) removes the remaining first, second, and third sacrifice layers 2802, 2803, and 2804 through an opening with the wet etching method so that the plate 2204 having the light reflecting region is supported by the supporting member 2103 for a free movement within the space determined by the substrate 2101, the angle brackets 2102 c, and the supporting member 2103. Thus, the procedure for making the light deflecting apparatus 2100 j is completed.

With this method, the convex portion 2204 a at the center in the backside of the plate 2204 is engaged with the top portion of the supporting member 2103, so that the plate 2204 is not apt to slide from the top portion of the supporting member 2103 when being tilted by the action of the electrostatic attraction force. Therefore, the plate 2204 is always stably supported by the supporting member 2103. Accordingly, the direction control for the light deflection in the use of the light deflecting apparatus 2100 j made with this method for a micro mirror device, for example, can be conducted in a high precision manner.

Numerous additional modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure of this patent specification may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. 

1. A method of making a light deflecting apparatus for deflecting input light in directions for at least one deflection-axis, comprising the steps of: forming a supporting member and a plurality of electrodes on a surface of a substrate; providing a first sacrifice layer for flattening a surface of said supporting member and said plurality of electrodes; forming on said first sacrifice layer a plate-like-shaped thin film member including light reflecting means disposed on a surface of said plate-like-shaped thin film member for reflecting input light; providing a second sacrifice layer on said plate-like-shaped thin film member; patterning said first and second sacrifice layers; forming a plurality of space regulating members at predetermined positions; and removing said first and second sacrifice layers. 